Which is more severe: bronchitis or pneumonia in children?

There is a difference in severity between pediatric bronchitis and pneumonia. Generally speaking, pneumonia is more severe. Pediatric bronchitis typically presents with symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and fever. Although it may affect the child's daily life to some extent, it usually does not pose a life-threatening risk. In contrast, pneumonia often causes high fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Physical examination may reveal fine moist rales in the lungs, and blood tests commonly show significant elevations—especially in white blood cell count, neutrophil count, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein. Without prompt and active treatment, pneumonia can easily lead to complications such as respiratory failure and heart failure, posing a serious threat to the patient's life. Therefore, in terms of disease severity and potential complications, pediatric pneumonia is generally more severe than bronchitis and requires early, aggressive, and standardized anti-infective treatment.