is bronchitis contagous?

Answer 1

Yes. Bronchitis is contagious. It can be spread by direct or indirect contact.

Bronchitis may be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or the inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust. When the cells of the bronchial-lining tissue are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny hairs (cilia) within them, which normally trap and eliminate pollutants, stop functioning. Consequently, the air passages become clogged by debris and irritation increases. In response, a heavy secretion of mucus develops, which causes the characteristic cough of bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis may follow or accompany the flu, or it may begin without having had an infection. Acute bronchitis usually lasts about 10 days. If you smoke or are around damaging fumes (such as those in certain kinds of factories), you are more likely to get acute bronchitis and to have it longer. This is because your bronchial tree is already damaged.

Chronic bronchitis (what the poster above me has) is defined as excessive mucus secretion in the bronchi and a chronic or recurrent mucus-producing cough that lasts three or more months and recurs year after year. People who have chronic bronchitis are more susceptible to bacterial infections of the airway and lungs, like pneumonia.

Acute bronchitis, can be treated with anti-biotics, bed rest and by drinking plenty of fluids and staying indoors in damp, cold weather. If you smoke, you should cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke, or stop smoking altogether.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

It can be. While the goop in the chest is green or yellow (sign of infection) the germs can be spread by coughing. Bronchitis can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Check out the sites below.

Answer 4

If the bronchitis is caused by a virus or bacteria, then yes, it is contagious. If it's not an infection (bronchitis related to asthma, for example), then it's not contagious.

Answer 5

No but if you are running fever, you don't need to get too close to anyone. Bronchitis is usuall caused from smoking. I get it all the time.

Answer 6

I thought bronchitis was connected to a condition in your bronchii and not necessarily like a common cold...but don't quote me on that....

Answer 7

No, it's not contagious. Some people are just more prone to it, and may develop it as part of a common cold. So the initial virus (the cold) is contagious, but not the inflammation of the bronchioles.

Answer 8

no--I have had a form of chronic bronchitis for twenty years and no one has ever caught it or got sick when it flaired up

Answer 9

yes it is