Colds, Flu & Bronchitis

There are at least 200 viruses that can cause upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold and flu1. These viruses include the rhinovirus and influenza viruses, including human parainfluenza viruses 2-4. Common symptoms of the flu include fever, muscle pains and body aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose, feeling tired or unwell and headache2,4. While the symptoms of a cold and flu might be quite similar, the symptoms of a cold come on gradually over a few days and are often milder than flu symptoms which are often more severe and can come on more quickly5,6

Now that you know more about the common cold and the flu, what is bronchitis and what do you need to know?

Bronchitis is a lower respiratory infection where the lungs become swollen (inflamed) and produce too much mucus which can make it difficult to breathe2,5,7. Bronchitis can be caused by a virus after you have had a cold/flu or it can be caused by a bacterial infection2,5,7 or by irritants such as dust, mould, pet dander, air pollution, smoke, and cleaners4.

There are 2 main types of bronchitis; acute bronchitis, which typically lasts between 7 and 10 days and chronic bronchitis, or repeated episodes of bronchitis, can last up to 3 months5,7. Bronchitis can sometimes progress to pneumonia7.

A cough is a signature symptom of bronchitis5. The cough typically starts dry and hacking but can progress to a wet, phlegmy cough5. The thick mucus may start out looking white and then become green or yellow2,5. This does not necessarily mean that you have a bacterial infection. It only indicates that your body is amounting a response to the inflammation in your lungs and is fighting the infection2,5. Other symptoms include fatigue, low fever, and a wheezing sound when breathing2,5.

Symptoms of a Cold vs. Symptoms of Bronchitis2
Symptom Cold Bronchitis
Low-grade fever Yes Yes
Cough (no mucus) Yes Yes
Fatigue Yes Yes
Runny or stuffy nose Yes No
Sneezing Yes No
Watery eyes Yes No
Cough (with mucus) No Yes
Postnasal drip Yes No
Wheezing No Yes
Trouble breathing No Yes
Chest congestion No Yes

While Bronchostop will not be able to help the infection or inflammation associated with the bronchitis itself, it may help relieve the cough9. Bronchostop Cough Syrup contains the natural ingredients marshmallow root extract which coats the throat to relieve dry cough irritation, soothe the throat and reduce the urge to cough and thyme herb extract which helps thins mucus associated with a wet cough so that it can be cleared from the lungs9-12. Bronchostop Cough Syrup is suitable for children and adults older than 4 years of age9.

DISCLAIMER: This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. 

References:

  1. Truter I. Cough. Evidence Based Pharmacy Practice. SA Pharm J 2007;74(4):20-27.
  2. Very Well Health. Bronchitis vs Cold (2019) athttps://www.verywellhealth.com/bronchitis-vs-cold-5121151# (website accessed on 3 May 2022)
  3. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Human Parainfluenza Viruses (2019) at https://www.cdc.gov/parainfluenza/about/symptoms.html (website accessed on 7 June 2022)
  4. National Institute of Communicable Disease – Influenza Frequently Asked Questions (2021) at https://www.nicd.ac.za/influenza-frequently-asked-questions/ (website accessed on 3 May 2022)
  5. What are the symptoms of bronchitis? (2018) at https://www.healthline.com/health/bronchitis-symptoms#recovery (website accessed on 3 May 2022)
  6. The difference between the cold and the flu? (2020) at https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold-or-flu (website accessed on 3 May 2022)
  7. Cleveland Clinic. Bronchitis (2019) at ttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3993-bronchitis (website accessed on 3 May 2022)
  8. Van Schoor J. An approach to recommending cough mixtures in pharmacy. S Afr Pharm J 2012;79(6):30-33.
  9. Pholtex Bronchostop® Cough Syrup professional information, September 2019.
  10. Capasso F. et al. Phytotherapy. Chapter 18 – Plants and the respiratory System. Springer Science & Business Media, 2003.
  11. Al-Snafi AE. The Pharmaceutical Importance of Althaea officinalis and Althaea rosea: A Review. International Journal of PharmTech Research 2013;5(3):1378-1385.
  12. WHO Herbal monographs Volume 2 [online]. Available from https://apps. who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4927e/. Accessed 13 November 2019

Pharmacological Classification: Complementary Medicine: Discipline Specific Traditional Claims D33.6 Western Herbal Medicine. Scheduling Status: Proprietary name (and dosage form): Pholtex Bronchostop® Cough Syrup. Composition: Each 5 ml syrup contains: 39 mg Thyme herb extract and 277 mg Marshmallow root dry extract. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals.

Name and business address of applicant: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07, 15e Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. For more information, speak to your healthcare. IN4630/22