Bronchitis is a respiratory condition in which there is inflammation of the airways. There are two basic types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually a relatively short bout; while chronic bronchitis is a long term condition which may occur over and over for periods of time. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious.
People who have chronic bronchitis can also experience acute bronchitis. Asthmatics are also susceptible to developing acute bronchitis. Usually, acute bronchitis is not contagious in this situation.
Acute bronchitis is caused by a viral infection. It may begin more like a cold affecting the sinuses or throat. When the virus spreads to the lungs it causes acute bronchitis. Bronchitis which is caused by a viral infection is contagious. It is easy to pass from one individual to another through casual contact since it is a virus.
It can also be followed by another condition which is a bacterial infection. This happens when bacteria enter the respiratory system. This means that there is a viral infection and a bacterial infection affecting the bronchial airways and lungs.
Acute bronchitis is a viral condition therefore taking antibiotics will not help. It should only last for about a week. Since it is contagious, it is best to stay away from other people who are susceptible to this infection. The elderly and young children are likely to catch this viral condition. People with asthma or other pulmonary conditions are also at a high risk of catching contagious bronchitis.
The doctor can listen to your breathing and possibly order a chest x-ray to determine if you have bronchitis. He will not prescribe antibiotics unless a secondary bacterial infection is present. You may be given an inhaler to help open up the airways so you can breathe easier.
To avoid catching this contagious bronchitis take the same precautions as are necessary to avoid influenza. Acute bronchitis can be a result of a bout with the flu. Washing your hands frequently, especially in public areas is essential to avoiding bronchitis which is contagious. Also making it a habit to use hand sanitizers will make it less likely to catch viral diseases.
Stay home and rest if you do find you’ve been infected with a viral and contagious bronchitis. Take an over the counter medication to help reduce fever and drink lots of liquids. A humidifier may help relieve some of the symptoms and help with breathing.
Is bronchitis contagious? Yes, acute bronchitis caused by a virus is very contagious. Take any and all precautions to keep it from spreading.
Learn more about is bronchitis contagious. Stop by Bob Miller’s site where you can find out all about bronchitis symptoms and what it can do for you.
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