Bronchitis Contagious Period

About bronchitis

Bronchitis is a type of chest infection that affects the main airway that leads to the lungs, the bronchi. The bronchi, otherwise referred to as the bronchial tubes, refer to the two large tubes that carry the air from your windpipe to your lungs. The infection causes the bronchi to become irritated and inflamed. When the airways of the lungs become irritated they swell and produce mucus in the lungs which further causes the signs and symptoms associated with bronchitis, most notably the persistent cough. The condition can be short-term, acute bronchitis, or long-term, chronic bronchitis. 

Types

As mentioned there are two types of bronchitis - chronic and acute, where acute bronchitis refers to bronchitis that is usually caused by exposure to a virus and chronic bronchitis refers to a long-term condition affecting the lungs and is often viewed as a long-term lung disease. In chronic bronchitis the lining of the airways is chronically inflamed. 

It is said that a person has chronic bronchitis when they have experienced repeated bouts of bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions that is included in a sub type of pulmonary diseases classed as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, a group of lung conditions that cause chronic breathing difficulties. Individuals who are older, who have been exposed to more fumes and secondhand smoke, or who have a family history of lung disease are those who are most at risk of developing chronic bronchitis.  

Causes

The cause of acute bronchitis is commonly exposed to a virus, in most cases it is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu. This means that you can get acute bronchitis the same way you get a cold or the flu - a virus gets into your body, usually by breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth. Less commonly acute bronchitis can also be caused because of a bacterial infection (referred to as bacterial bronchitis) or environmental triggers that can irritate the lungs such as tobacco smoke, duct, and air pollution.³ 

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is mainly caused by repeated exposure to an irritant, for example, heavy smoking. It can also be precipitated by preexisting health conditions such as asthma, and sinusitis.¹ 

Symptoms of bronchitis

The main symptoms of acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, are a persistent cough, nasal congestion (a blocked or runny nose), a sore throat, headaches, general aches, and pains as well as tiredness. These symptoms can last around 3 weeks although they usually improve within a week to ten days without any long-lasting effects. However, a cough may linger for a few weeks.²

Similarly, the symptoms of chronic bronchitis include coughing, shortness of breath, a sore throat and associated soreness around the chest area, wheezing, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. 

Even in the case of acute bronchitis symptoms can persist long after the infection itself has gone. For example, the cough can remain for several weeks after the infection. However, once the infection is gone the bronchitis is no longer contagious. 

Is bronchitis contagious?

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is contagious. It is most notably contagious when bronchitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. Therefore, when someone has viral and bacterial bronchitis they can pass it to someone else when they are in the contagious phase of the illness.³

Chronic bronchitis

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is not likely to be contagious as it is usually caused by a long-term irritation of the airways caused by environmental factors or an individual's habits and not caused by an infectious virus.¹

How does bronchitis spread?

In the case of acute bronchitis, the virus is spread the same way the common cold spreads - germs in the air from when someone coughs or sneezes. You can breathe in these germs when someone coughs if you are standing close by. The virus can also spread through contact with an infected object. Therefore the virus or bacteria that causes bronchitis can be spread through coughing, talking, or living in close proximity to a person with bronchitis.

How long before I know I have it?

Acute bronchitis will usually be in your system for a few days before you start to notice cold symptoms.⁴ It often starts with a dry cough which then evolves into coughing spells that bring up mucus. In the case of chronic bronchitis, it is suspected that it is chronic after experiencing symptoms for longer than three weeks. 

How long will it be contagious?

In the case of acute bronchitis, individuals are usually contagious for a few days up to a week. The contagious period is subject to vary between individuals and it is best to monitor symptoms and to take precautions long after you suspect you are no longer contagious. 

Furthermore, it is important to note that in the case of viral bronchitis individuals can be contagious even before they develop symptoms. So there is a few days difference between when you’re exposed and when you start to notice symptoms, however, during this time you can be contagious.⁴

Is bronchitis contagious in children?

Bronchitis is contagious for children as well as for adults. When children develop bronchitis is it even more likely to be caused by a virus and not due to environmental triggers such as cigarette smoke. Therefore, bronchitis can spread from direct contact with a child who is sick. 

However, in the case of children, it is important to note the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that affects babies and young children. Either way, both are contagious to adults and other children.

Ways to prevent catching or spreading of bronchitis

According to the Mayo Clinic to help prevent catching acute bronchitis and prevent spreading the virus it is best to remember to frequently wash your hands, avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoking, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing, or cough into your elbow. 

When to see a doctor

It is advised to see a doctor when you or the person you are caring for exhibit one of the following symptoms: 

• A temperature higher than 100°F
• Coughing up bloody mucus
• Persistent shortness of breath and trouble breathing
• Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
• Repeated episodes of acute bronchitis

Summary

Bronchitis is a chest infection that affects the bronchi. Most cases of bronchitis tend to be both acute and mild, with symptoms lasting up to a week. It is important to note that antibiotics are rarely recommended and generally do not help the recovery process. In fact, acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own with the doctor recommending rest and plenty of fluids. However, bronchitis tends to be very contagious and therefore it is important to remain vigilant about spreading the disease and taking precautions such as frequently washing your hands.