is bronchitis contagious?

Question

?? i dont want to spread it to my mates or family so is bronchitis contagious

Thanx everyone !
uve all been so helpfull :)

Answer 1

The bacteria that caused it travels in your bodily fluids. When you cough or sneeze you can pass the bacteria to others. Get an antibiotic, wash your hands frequently & don't share glasses or utensils.

Answer 2

Bronchitis is inflamation of the bronchial passages into your lungs. If the inflamation is caused by a bacterial or viral infection then yes it is contagious. Not to be the bearer of bad news, but you were likely contagious before you even knew you were ill. Good handwashing is the best prevention for passing such illnesses, cover your mouth when you cough, wash your hands, and don't share pillows, drinks, or things like that. Once you are well; wash all the bedding (especially shared bedding) in hot water, and machine dry if possible... The heat will kill most any living "bugs" that might be on the bedding.

If someone does come down ill - don't feel bad... Bronchitis isn't as bad as some :)

Alot of people are suggesting antibiotics, but beware... antibiotics will only help if the infection is truly bacterial. If the cause is a viral infection antibiotics will do nothing... A doc can do a swab of your mucous to determine what the bug is, but this is not a normal practice for bronchitis - it usually runs its course in 7-10 days and is not necessarily worth the lab tests.

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

you haven't said whether yours is chronic bronchial irritation, or a touch of it during a cold or other infection. The former is not contagious. If it is the latter, make sure you call your doctor to make sure that you are not undertreating, which could cause chronic bronchitis. If it is an infection, cough into the upper sleeve of your shirt to prevent passing the germs around - the Japanese did the study that notes that this avoids the leaky contagious hands problem.
Take care of it properly. If you do not control the cause, you can get chronic stuff like asthma or bronchitis, and later in life COPD. Drink fluids, eat your fresh greens, and fresh fruit for vit. C factors.
Good luck

Answer 5

I once suffered from Chronic Bronchitis. I would suffer sometimes 3 to 4 times per year! Usually when there was a major change in the pressure outside (I live in the north, and the temperature spikes and dips do wonders to chronic sufferers of bronchitis!). Each time I would get horrible hacking coughs, hoarking up green phlegm..it was so frustrating!

The key to getting rid of your bronchitis is to find a way to completely eliminate the germs that are causing all the phlegm and irritation leading to your hoarking cough and heavy breathing. Keep reading to learn how to do kill these germs!!

This page it will change your life and make you feel 100% better within just 24 hours!

Answer 6

Oh yes.
Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Don't share utensils or glasses while you're sick.
If you're taking antibiotics, it'll take about 72 hours (3) days before you're not contagious. Otherwise, try not to have intimate contact with your family members. No kissing or hugging. :(( Drink plenty of fluids - water, no soda or coffee or tea. Chicken soup is wonderful - your mama was right about this one.
And if it lasts longer than 7 days or you feel like you're getting worse, see a doctor. Only a health care professional can diagnose you with bronchitis.
Oh - and Quit Smoking !!!

Answer 7

Bronchitis is NOT contagious by itself... what causes you to get it is what is contagious!
It can be bacteria or viral...
Most of the time Dr's will put you on an antibiotic to help keep it from turning in to pneumonia , they usually will also put you on a steroid to open your airways up.

Answer 8

It depends on the cause of the bronchitis. It is usually caused by bacteria, in which case it is contagious.

Answer 9

Bronchitis itself is not contagious but if you have a viral (cold) infection with it then that part is contagious. I hope this helps. A lot of people are born with bronchitis.

Answer 10

Yes