The Answer To Is Bronchitis Contagious
Is bronchitis contagious, is often asked by many concerned people exposed to individuals with bronchitis. Bronchitis is a condition where the air ways or passages to the lungs are inflamed. There are two kinds of bronchitis, namely acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Both are characterized by the inflammation of the air passages to the lungs. Although, they are highly similar in causes, the two kinds of bronchitis have different symptoms and outcomes.
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
The answer to the question” Is bronchitis contagious?” is yes, it can be contagious. The reason as to why is bronchitis contagious is that it usually stems from a viral infection which is actually the one that is contagious. This passing of the viral infection which can develop to acute bronchitis is the answer to the question “Is bronchitis contagious?”
How is Bronchitis Contagious?
It is actually not the disease bronchitis itself that is contagious but it is the result of the contagious virus that often inflicts itself on a whole room with just a sneeze. More often the viral infection, if not treated properly can result in acute bronchitis. In cases of chronic bronchitis, if the sufferer of acute bronchitis is exposed to a virus and contracts the viral infection, it could also develop into acute bronchitis.
When is Bronchitis Contagious?
It is usually the older adults and younger children with weak immune systems that often develop acute bronchitis. This is a common occurrence when it is the cold or flu season. Often a simple cold develops into acute bronchitis. Flu could also develop into bronchitis if the individual has a weak immune system and is usually prone to it.
The symptoms of acute bronchitis are very much similar to the common cold’s symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing and coughing. The first two symptoms readily clear up in as little as two weeks but the dry cough could extend for two weeks more. The patient could also experience a slight fever and often coughs up phlegm or sputum which could be greenish or yellow green in color. Acute bronchitis may inflict itself repetitively on a certain person especially if that person has a weak resistance or immune system.
Chronic bronchitis symptoms are usually just a mild cough that later is accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing. The shortness of breath can cause a chemical change in the blood composition since there is a lack of oxygen. Chronic bronchitis is often irreversible and may sometimes be fatal.
Tags: Bronchitis