Bronchitis vs. Laryngitis — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs, while laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx or voice box.
Difference Between Bronchitis and Laryngitis
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Key Differences
Bronchitis primarily targets the bronchi, which are the main air passages into the lungs. It can arise from various causes, including infections or prolonged exposure to irritants. Laryngitis, on the other hand, concerns the larynx or voice box and can result in voice changes or loss. Whereas bronchitis often manifests as a persistent cough, possibly with mucus, laryngitis typically showcases symptoms like hoarseness or voice loss.
Both conditions, bronchitis and laryngitis, can be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis often follows a cold or viral infection, while chronic bronchitis can be a result of long-term irritation or smoking. Laryngitis can stem from overusing the voice, infections, or irritants. Importantly,
while bronchitis affects deeper respiratory structures, laryngitis impacts the upper parts, particularly those essential for vocalization.
Comparison Chart
Affected Area
Bronchi in the lungs
Larynx or voice box
Common Symptoms
Persistent cough, mucus
Hoarseness, voice loss
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Common Causes
Infections, irritants, smoking
Overuse of voice, infections, irritants
Duration
Can be acute or chronic
Can be acute or chronic
Treatment
Rest, fluids, avoiding irritants
Voice rest, hydration, avoid irritants
Compare with Definitions
Bronchitis
A respiratory condition often resulting from an infection.
Bronchitis can be viral or bacterial in origin.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx or voice box.
After shouting at the concert, she developed laryngitis.
Bronchitis
Often associated with persistent cough and mucus production.
The doctor confirmed it was bronchitis due to the amount of mucus.
Laryngitis
Inflamed vocal cords that can't vibrate normally.
Laryngitis made it painful for him to even whisper.
Bronchitis
Can be caused by irritants, especially smoking.
Years of exposure to polluted air contributed to his bronchitis.
Laryngitis
A condition causing hoarseness or voice loss.
He couldn't speak clearly due to his laryngitis.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs.
She was diagnosed with bronchitis after experiencing a severe cough.
Laryngitis
Often a result of overusing the voice or infections.
Singing without proper technique can lead to laryngitis.
Bronchitis
Chronic or acute inflammation of the airways.
His smoking led to chronic bronchitis over the years.
Laryngitis
Can be acute or chronic, affecting vocal cords.
Her recurring laryngitis was a concern for her singing career.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) in the lungs that causes coughing. Symptoms include coughing up sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box). Symptoms often include a hoarse voice and may include fever, cough, pain in the front of the neck, and trouble swallowing.
Bronchitis
Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx.
Bronchitis
(uncountable) An inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs, that causes the cilia of the bronchial epithelial cells to stop functioning.
Laryngitis
An inflammation of the larynx, typically resulting in hoarseness.
Bronchitis
(countable) An occurrence of, a case (patient) of, or a type of bronchitis.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx.
Bronchitis
Inflammation, acute or chronic, of the bronchial tubes or any part of them.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx; characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchial tubes
Common Curiosities
What's the main difference between bronchitis and laryngitis?
Bronchitis affects the bronchi in the lungs, while laryngitis impacts the larynx or voice box.
Which condition can be a direct result of smoking?
Chronic bronchitis is commonly linked to long-term smoking.
Is bronchitis contagious?
If caused by an infection, bronchitis can be contagious.
Can both bronchitis and laryngitis be caused by infections?
Yes, both can be triggered by viral or bacterial infections.
Can shouting or singing loudly cause laryngitis?
Yes, overusing or straining the voice can result in laryngitis.
Which condition is associated with a persistent cough?
Bronchitis often results in a persistent cough.
Can laryngitis become chronic?
Yes, if not treated or if the cause is persistent, laryngitis can become chronic.
What is a common symptom of laryngitis?
Hoarseness or voice loss is a typical symptom of laryngitis.
How can one prevent laryngitis?
Avoiding voice strain, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants can help prevent laryngitis.
Is asthma related to bronchitis?
Asthma and bronchitis are different, but both affect the airways and can have overlapping symptoms.
Does laryngitis affect breathing?
Severe laryngitis can impact breathing, but it's less common.
What's the main treatment for bronchitis?
Treatment involves rest, fluids, and avoiding irritants or infections.
Where is the larynx located?
The larynx, affected in laryngitis, is the voice box situated in the throat.
Which condition may lead to mucus production?
Bronchitis often leads to the production of mucus.
Which condition may require voice rest as treatment?
Laryngitis often necessitates voice rest for recovery.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
