Can you catch bronchitis from another person

Acute bronchitis often begins as an upper respiratory infection and is usually caused by viruses, such as those that cause colds and flu. There are hundreds of types of viruses which can cause bronchitis. Read more: Is it allergies or a cold? Bronchitis can also be caused by bacterial infections, although this type of transmission accounts for less than 10 percent of all cases. Infectious acute bronchitis is transmitted from person to person, just like the common cold.

While avoiding this type of bronchitis may be challenging, it can be done. Acute bronchitis due to infection is often transmitted through microscopic, airborne droplets that contain a germ and are produced when someone speaks, sneezes, or coughs. It can also be transmitted by shaking hands or other types of physical contact with an infected person.

Viruses and bacteria can also live outside of the body for minutes, hours, or even days, depending on the type. You can catch infectious acute bronchitis by touching a germ harboring object, such as a door knob or a subway pole, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Many cases of acute bronchitis start as the flu, so you may be able prevent it by getting an annual flu shot. Acute bronchitis caused by bacterial infections may be easily transmitted to people with compromised immune systems or chronic infections.

Elderly people and small children may also be susceptible. Acute infectious bronchitis has an incubation period of four to six days. Could you catch bronchitis from not wearing a coat in the winter? Anatoly Belilovsky answered. View 1 more answer. How do you catch bronchitis?

Nestor Del rosario answered. Addiction Medicine 34 years experience. Bronchitis: Is a loose term we use for the presumed inflammation of the larger airways, the bronchi in the lungs from any cause which could be infectious, etc. I have pneumonia and sinusitis. Amrita Dosanjh answered. Pediatric Pulmonology 36 years experience.

Mgt: Bronchitis can occur in conjunction with your other illnesses. The underlying cause is most likely viral or bacterial. Monitoring your temperature and Is chronic bronchitis contagious? William Carlos answered. No: Chronic bronchitis itself is not contagious. Sometimes the virus or bacteria that exacerbate a patient's chronic bronchitis can be contagious however I'm 18 and catch a cold at least every two weeks which then leads to bronchitis, pneumonia or some other type of infection.

Susan Arnoult answered. It is important to seek the advice of a medical professional when considering treatment options for acute and chronic bronchitis. People may find they cough after eating food, and this may have many different causes. Learn more about the role of allergies and when to see a doctor…. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin group that fights bacteria and bacterial infections.

Known as Larotid or Amoxil, this drug can treat a…. Having a persistent cough that occurs at night can be irritating and prevent restful sleep. We look at ten ways to help relieve nighttime coughing. Which essential oils help to calm a cough and other symptoms of a cold? Are there risks? We look at 12 evidence-based choices and when to see a doctor. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

This can occur either as a result of asthma or the overreaction of the immune system. This article…. Is bronchitis contagious? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Transmission Types Causes Prevention Treatment Bronchitis is a condition affecting the lungs and airways.

Share on Pinterest People should assume they are contagious even if they are not yet certain that the illness is bronchitis. Share on Pinterest People with a history of smoking are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis. Share on Pinterest Maintaining good hygiene and washing hands regularly can help prevent the spread of bronchitis.

How to stay safe while having fun this Halloween. If you have whooping cough pertussis or pneumonia , which can have similar symptoms to acute bronchitis, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.

Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children. Not all over-the-counter medicines are recommended for children of certain ages. You can help prevent acute bronchitis by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:.

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