Is Viral Bronchitis Contagious

Bronchitis is a respiratory disorder that occurs when the bronchi or the airways of the lungs get inflamed. The inflammation can occur due to bacterial or viral infections. Therefore, bronchitis can be broadly divided into two types: viral bronchitis and bacterial bronchitis. It should be noted that it can also be caused due to several other factors like smoking, inhaling air borne pollutants, etc. However, viral bronchitis is the most common type of bronchitis, affecting a large number of people every year.

What is Viral Bronchitis

Viral bronchitis is caused by the virus (family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses)) that also causes common cold and influenza (flu). A person suffers from bronchitis when the viral infection, causing colds and flu, reaches the lungs and affects the bronchi. People having a weak immune system are more prone to contracting the viral infection. When the infection reaches the airways, mucus is formed in the airways which blocks the airways. The mucus built up in the airways causes difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, etc. Cough is produced to get rid of the mucus in the airways. Viral as well as bacterial bronchitis can be acute as well as chronic. Acute bronchitis is one which is severe and occurs suddenly. Acute bronchitis can be treated effectively in a short period. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis develops over a duration of time and cannot be treated immediately.

What are Symptoms of Viral Bronchitis

Viral bronchitis symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain, cough, headache, etc. Severe cough producing yellow or green mucus is the most common symptom of viral bronchitis. Secondly, sinus infection, wheezing, sore throat and body aches are also observed when suffering from viral bronchitis. As the symptoms of viral bronchitis, bacterial bronchitis and most of the other respiratory disorders are same, it is essential to diagnose the condition properly.

Is Viral Bronchitis Contagious

Viral bronchitis is a highly contagious disease, i.e., it can be easily spread from one person to other. It should be noted that bronchitis caused only due to bacterial or viral infection is contagious, and not the one caused due to smoking or inhaling other air borne pollutants. You must be aware that most of the diseases caused due to viral infections are contagious. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the cause of bronchitis as soon as possible.

How Long is Viral Bronchitis Contagious

Acute viral bronchitis contagion period is anything in between 1-4 days. It is contagious as long as symptoms like cough are observed (as cough is the most common mode of virus transmission). On the contrary, bacterial bronchitis is contagious only till the time one takes antibiotics. It is not contagious when a person starts a course of antibiotics.

How is Viral Bronchitis Treated

Viral infections cannot be treated by antibiotics; therefore, viral bronchitis treatment includes use of natural remedies. Drinking plenty of water and taking complete rest is the most common and useful treatment method for viral bronchitis. Secondly, you should look for ways to reduce the mucus formation in the lungs, taking hot water bath and inhaling steam can help clear the nose and airways. The doctor will also prescribe medications to treat cough and other viral bronchitis symptoms. If suffering from bronchitis, you should avoid exposure to very cold climate as it can lead to clogging of nose.

As a summation of the above, remember that viral bronchitis is caused due to the same virus that caused cold and flu. Therefore, you should get these conditions treated immediately in order to prevent viral bronchitis. Lastly, note that following cleanliness and hygiene can help prevent most of viral infections.