Does Pneumonia Always Cause a Cough?

February 2, 2023

If you have ever had a respiratory infection before, you know how miserable they can make you feel. The deep cough, fever and tight chest can be hard to deal with! Two common respiratory infections that you need to keep a close eye on this season are bronchitis and pneumonia.

While the majority of pneumonia and bronchitis cases produce a deep, mucusy cough, it is not a guaranteed symptom. Our AFC Urgent Care Cleveland team explains what to expect from a bronchitis or pneumonia infection below, so read on.

Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia Both Bacterial Infections?

Bronchitis and pneumonia can both be caused by multiple different things. Bacteria, viruses and fungi are all possibilities. It is even possible for a pneumonia infection to be caused by aspirating (breathing in) something into your lungs that you shouldn’t have, like food or a drink.

Bronchitis infections irritate your bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air through your lungs. Pneumonia infections affect your alveoli, which are the little sacs that help transport oxygen through your blood. Your alveoli fill up with fluid and can make it hard to breathe normally.

Common Symptoms Associated With Bronchitis or Pneumonia

Difficulty taking a full breath
Deep cough with clear or green mucus
Chest tightness
Fever

How Can I Tell Which Infection I Have?

It can be hard to tell what you are suffering from on your own at home. When you start to feel sick or if your symptoms aren’t going away, come see us at AFC! We can do a full evaluation and health history. We can also take an X-ray of your lungs and chest to get a better view of your infection.

An X-ray offers a literal inside look into where the irritation and/or fluid is located in your lungs. In bronchitis, it tends to be more centralized in your bronchial tubes. Pneumonia can be found in one specific area or it can spread or be found in both lungs. In either case, having a proper diagnosis allows you to understand the best ways to treat your infection.