Is Bronchitis Contagious
Bronchitis, a Breathing Disease
Bronchitis is the swelling in the passage of the windpipe, which in turn connect to the lungs. Bronchitis starts with the irritation in the bronchial tubes. Then, there is a formation of mucus. The mucus deposit blocks the air passage. This creates problem in breathing.
Type of Bronchitis
There are two types of Bronchitis:
1. Acute Bronchitis
2. Chronic Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis occurs due to severe cold and stays for a shorter period of time. But Chronic Bronchitis usually is the pain in the chest. This is accompanied by cough and fever. There is a difficulty in breathing too in case of chronic bronchitis.
Effects of Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis lasts for a long time and mucus is released during cough. The patients find it difficult to breathe for a longer time. The level of difficulty may vary from person to person. They may fall sick due to lung infections too. The other names of this disease are ‘chronic obstructive lung disease’ and ‘chronic obstructive air passage disease’. The difficulty lies in respiration in the body of the patient. Let us analyze, is Bronchitis contagious or not?
Is Bronchitis contagious?
It is extremely true. It is contagious disease. The virus can transfer the disease when you sneeze or cough. In the initial stage, there is a swelling in the air passage. At this time, there is no formation of virus. When the bacteria released by the patients through sneeze and cough spreads through the air, the disease gets spread to others around. The infected person should consult a physician immediately and get medicines. Otherwise it leads to pneumonia too. Both the types of Bronchitis are contagious. The viral infection is powerful and it may affect the healthy people around through indirect and direct contacts.
How to Prevent Bronchitis?
By following healthy and hygienic daily routine, we can prevent the disease from spreading. Cleanliness is very important. As virus lies everywhere, wash your hands before meals and after using the toilets. Do not spread the infection in the air by sneezing and coughing. Use a hand towel, if you are having such a problem. Asthmatic patients develop acute Bronchitis. Taking antibiotics is the best solution to get relief from acute Bronchitis. Only such medicines can work well with viral infections. Take the advice of doctor for the consumption of medicines and follow the dosage and duration strictly. Other than taking medicines, take lot of fluids and bed rest is important for the patients. Antibiotics are is helpful in preventing further infections. Asthma patients can consult a doctor and get themselves medicated in such scenarios. They can take the medicines regularly and use the inhaler for fast relief. This will widen the passage of respiratory organs and affected person can feel more comfortable.
Get to know the reality on IsBronchitisContagious and prevent yourself from falling into the rap of broncitis with ease. Read more about seasonal allergy symptoms with our Health Partners
FAQ. Bronchitis Info
How to treat bronchitis?
- Adhere to the following tips and this would help you lots in treating bronchitis
- Minimize your exposure to irritants. Quit smoking
- A vaporizer can ease your breathing difficulty
- Let your mouth and nose not be exposed to cool air around
- Hot bath can relax you lots before sleeping
- Take proper medication on time and avoid taking too much of cough syrup
- Increase fluid intake and stop taking diary products sugar rich food and processed food items to alleviate the allergic reaction
Who discovered bronchitis?
The first case of broncitis was discovered in 1808. The term bronchitis was coined by Charles Badham in the year 1808. However, Greeks have been suing the term ‘excess phlegm’ to refer to this lung problem earlier.
How to prevent bronchitis?
Wash your hands and legs as often as you can especially when you roam around and come back home. Minimize your exposure to pollutants. Use a mask to cover your mouth and nose. Ensure that your immunity is high and get your vaccinations on time
How long does bronchitis last?
Bronchitis symptoms are generally visible for 1-2 weeks timeframe. However, the cough and sneezing can continue for a few weeks too. It is very contagious during the first one week.
What is chronic bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lungs. This often causes constriction to the air passage in and out of the lungs. The cilia that is present adjoining the air passage secrete mucus and obstruct the passage of air thereby leading to suffocation. When this continues to be present for around a few months timeframe, then it is termed as chronic bronchitis. Smoking has been proven to be the main cause of chronic bronchitus.
What causes bronchitis
Bronchitis is caused by bacteria and viruses. Rhino virus, influenza and adenoviridae are a few that can cause bronchitis. However, chronic bronchitis is often caused due to the habit of smoking. Occupational exposure to pollutants has also been determined to be the cause of brochitis.
How do you get bronchitis?
Bronchitis is caused usually by bacterial or viral infections. However, it is contagious and can also be caused just by being in touch with the infected person. Second hand smoke can even result in accumulation of irritants in the air passage which in turn can result in broncitis
what is good for bronchitis?
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DcrDetox Reply:
September 5th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
fluid intake, avoidance of alcohol or caffeine intake, OTC drugs to treat fever and cough, a humidifier are all good for bronchitis. Take enough rest and get rid of it soon
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What is bronchitis and how to avoid it.
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DcrDetox Reply:
September 5th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Refer to this link http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-prevent-bronchitis.html. The major ways to keep away from it is to quit smoking. Avoid direct contact with infected persons. Get yourself vaccinated on time to stay away from it
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What is the scientific name for broncitis?
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DcrDetox Reply:
September 5th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
laryngitis is the scientific name for bronchitus. It is contagious ane hence you need to take sufficient care to stay away from it. Acute and chronic are the 2 common types of the disease
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coughing Reply:
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Hey doc… Are you really a doc? This isn’t accurate. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi. Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx. Different body part.
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Is it dangorous for little kids from the age 4 to 13? and should i see a doctor if it last for 3 weeks? when your sick does it count too?
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Robert Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
It is better that you discuss the symptoms with your medical practitioner. Especially if it lasts for more than 3 weeks it is vital that you proactively discuss that with him. 4-13 years is definitely young and getting treated on time is important
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i would like to say i started takin semanax tablets of the net for creating more sperm and i started of with a cough with has turned very nasty into i pressume broncitis i have been on steriods an other medication since , i still have a lot of phelm in my lungs an there seems to be no end to it can anybody advise me as i have not stooped smoking either will i be able to get rid of this problem as i stay up most of my nights due to coughing .
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Advanced therapies which are evolutionary result of years of Homeopathic, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Synergetic and Biotech research are offered by Biogetica. These comprehensive solutions offer relief not just for the symptoms of Bronchitis but also enhance the natural protective mechanisms of the lungs to remove the allergens and infections that cause COPD.* The therapies heal the tendency for chronic inflammation without causing any further damage to the body.*
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The tile man working in our house (under construction) came down w/infectious bronchitis Friday and is back working in our house today. I’m 72 and husband is 81. I’m afraid to go back into the house! What precautions can we take? How long will the germs he’s left around be infectious to either of us … both germs on surfaces and airborne germs? Thanks.
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I am so grateful that I found this site. I will bookmark this. I am an asthmatic person. I appreciate everything that’s in here.Thank you so much. I have one question though – why is it that I need to avoid taking too much of cough syrup when I have bronchitis?
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max Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 3:04 am
Taking cough medicines while you have bronchitis only masks the symptoms and does not help breakup the phlegm necessary to expel out of your bronchials. Because you are asthmatic, it is important to keep your airways clear. You can also become immune to cough meds. When asthmatics have bronchitis whether its acute or viral you are at higher risk for pnemonia. Asthmatics also react differently to cough meds than non asthmatics. Usually in cases of severe bronchitis guaifissen (sp) is recommended as it helps break up the phlegm for easier coughing and expelling. Also, keep in mind because you are asthmatic, using a chest cold rub like vicks vapor rub can cause you to develop pnemonia. Its important to see your doc because you are at risk for complications. No Im not a doctor, my mother had severe asthma and so does my daughter…
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I recently stopped smokeing, then about 2 days later i got sick it started off as cold chills that lasted about 2 days. Then the chills stopped and turned into coughing for two weeks straight and continueing and now im starting to get the cold chills everytime i move including coughing contintaly..I can also taste mucus/flem in my throat, also im freezing. What could this be?
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chrystal Reply:
March 14th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Are you taking stop-smoking medications? How long were you a smoker before quitting? Could be nicotine withdrawals, go to a doctor though.
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Usually I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this blog really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice post
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I liked it. So much useful material. I read with great interest.
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I was just curious as to how you came to the conclusions listed in your article? What was your initial intention? To scare the living crap out of people, make people lose jobs, or just to simply misinform the masses?
First off, I have chronic bronchitis. It is NOT contagious. It is caused by an infection or an irritation that enters the lung cavity, like smoking or working in a dusty environment. The virus is what is contagious but once you begin exibiting acute bronchitis, you have already spread the contagion from the cold or flu bug you just got over. Also, the recovery period is 2-4 weeks, not 1-2.
When putting health information out for people to use as a guide for their life, I would suggest citing your references unless you are a doctor, and then you should provide your qualifications.
PS. I would prefer not to be emailed or added to any junk lists please and thank you!
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i had the worst fever n head felt like it would explode with every cough, chest hurt n still does 6 days later
the fever still returns less severe when i take myself off the over the counter pain n fever pills etc
although i do not smoke, is the fever solely associated with Chronic or can someone still have the fever with Acute bronchitis- i guess my sinus infection n blocked eustacian Left side tube do not help either
thanks
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i guess i’ve had it for about 2 weeks now and didnt know. i have kissed my girlfriend a lot during this time frame. she i be extremely worried she has it? and how long should i avoid kissing her to ensure she wont get it? or if she already does how long should i wait. I feel terrible right now because i think she already has it =/ help please?
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Why do you have to wash your legs? I understand to wash your hands, but your legs??
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Big Ted Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Have someone else wash your legs then.
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It is correct that some forms of bronchitis are bacterial, some are viral. Antibiotics will only work with bacterial, and not always in those cases. Changing your lifestyle and eating habits to improve immune system function can do a lot to help, and there are herbal remedies that are quite effective during outbreaks.
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john ennis Reply:
January 9th, 2010 at 1:51 am
please what type of herbal remedies are there
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Fallicy Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Coughing is definitely a sign of nicotine withdrawal, however nicotine withdrawal symptoms typically only last a few days and are minor. Nicotine doesn’t have any long lasting withdrawal symptoms. So please don’t listen to this ass-tard of a person chrystal. If you stopped smoking over 2 weeks ago, then you need to see a doctor. It quite well could be bronchitis.
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My brother has bronchitis, how can I keep from getting it?
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The entire section describing preventative measures for bronchitis is completely inaccurate and should not be utilized. Viral infections CANNOT be cleared up with antibiotics..etc.
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Is there a lot of vomiting involved with bronchitis? If so is there a way to minimize the frequent vomiting?
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Theresa Reply:
January 17th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Generally there is not a lot of vomiting due to Bronchitis. When there is vomiting it is usually caused by the gag reflex being aggravated from extreme coughing and that’s when vomiting occurs. Thus being the reason why Inhalers are prescribed, they help control the cough and open the air ways.
I know for myself and my children having a humidifier pumping moisture into the air and tea help relieve some of the coughing.
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I have chronic bronchitis can be contagious for my family? thank you!
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I have had bronchitis for eleven days now. I went to the doctor on day two and she diagnosed bronchitis and prescribed cough medicine and an antibiotic. I continued to run a low grade fever 99-100.3 so missed work all week and returned on day six to the doctor. She said possible pneumonia, changed meds to another antibiotic, prednisone and albuterol inhaler. Still ran low grade fever and returned to doctor on day nine, changed prednisone dosage to higher, changed albuterol to a nebulizer, ordered chest xray. Still running low grade fever in evening. Chest xray showed no pneumonia just bronchitis. Have missed a week and a half of work (school teacher), was planning to go back half days for the remainder of this week and then resume full days next week but what if my fever continues this evening rise. Is it okay to go to work or not?
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my little boy whoes 1 has bronchitis can me and my partner catch it ?
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maddie Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Yes you and your partner can both catch it. to be safe take him to a doctor and get him meds. But in order for you two not to get it I recomend that you wash his hands and legs SO often, even when he wakes up in the morning and goes to sleep at night. Give him lots of tylenol to so he doesnt cough as much. BTW is he coughing up anthing??
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Concerned Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Again with the legs? What sense dose that make? I don’t wipe my nose with my thigh.
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Maddie Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Is he coughing up anything?
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hello i became very ill with the normal virus (fever) only not any cold as such , but my doctor examined me and said he is feeling a little cold in my chest, however after a few days i develop this terrible cold, coughing etc, he then said after another visit that i have bronchitis very bad, i was put on the nebilizer machine for axygen to my lungs to health me with breathing etc also given a little machine to use at home to help me with clearing up of my lungs, hea also said its not contagious, how much truth is this????
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Bronchitis Cure – Maxaquin (Lomefloxacin) is cure for Bronchitis. Generic equivalent is also available. You can find the information at International Drug Mart
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Interesting article! I’m just getting back into things and love positive articles – physical and mental well being are keys to a life well lived.
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If anyone is interested in natural cures for bronchitis, please see the website mothernature.com and then do a search on their website for bronchitis. Lots of good information that you can try, if you’d like. I’m not a doctor and I’m not affiliated with the above website. I just did a search today (March 13, 2010) on alternative cures for bronchitis and then checked out mothernature.com. Hope it helps.
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HGH Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I’ve had it for over a month, twice to the doc. Changed anti. and predison, felt ok for a couple of days, Sat. woke up and all stopped up again, still on antibio. Had my grandson over last Thurs. he seems to be ok, at least I hope he does not come down with it, my husband hasn’t caught it from me for over a month.
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I have been diagnosed with bronchitus wed march 17th and started my antibiotics since then my son will be visiting this sunday march 28th will I still be contagiuos if I dont cough around or near him I really thought if I’M being treated I’m not contagious anymore is this true???? please reply thank you.
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I’ve had it for over a month, twice to the doc. Changed anti. and predison, felt ok for a couple of days, Sat. woke up and all stopped up again, still on antibio. Had my grandson over last Thurs. he seems to be ok, at least I hope he does not come down with it, my husband hasn’t caught it from me for over a month.
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I think i have bronchitis. my teacher has and i am worried for my heatlh. I’m not happy!!!
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I’ve been told by a few Doctors that I am not contagious. I was diagnosed with bronchitis 3 weeks ago, I have two young children who have no symptoms of it. Even as a young child I had bronchitis at least 2 times a year. This time, the first day I was diagnosed with it, I was given a shot of steroids to help me get over it ‘quicker,’ an inhaler and a a Z-Pack. A week later I was wheezing even worse and went to an After Hours Clinic because I couldn’t get in to see my Doctor and they gave me a steroid dose pack and an antibiotic. Here I am in week 3 and my breathing is getting even worse. I’m not wheezing as much but the shortness of breath is worse and I feel tight in my chest. But still, my children are not showing any symptoms, thank goodness!!
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I have chronic bronchitis all the time and don’t know what to do about it. I think I have it all the time. And when it really flares up I get the worse chest cold and cough. I don’t smoke, I don’t burn fuels for heat in my home, I have a heat pump. I need to find the right herbal remedy to help control it. When I go to the doctor she give me antibiotics. I had it bad in December and now in March. Please any suggestion will be appreciated.
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I think i might have bronchitis, a friend i work with was diagnosed with it last wednesday and i saw her once that day before she went to the docs. But i’ve been ill since wednesday. I have experienced headaches from coughing so much and the cough seems quite bad now.. Also had a fever. Not sure if i just have a common cold though, any1 think i might have bronchitis??
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What kind of advice is being given on this site?? “Taking antibiotics is the best solution to get relief from acute Bronchitis. Only such medicines can work well with viral infections.” EVERYONE knows that antibiotics DO NOT work on viral infections! and that most acute bronchitis is VIRAL. What other misinformation is printed here?
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big Ted Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Wash your legs!
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I currently have bronchitis. Going on for the 3rd week. I don’t smoke cigerretes but I do smoke Marijuana, not as much as smokers smoke cigarretes but I do smoke.
I haven’t had bronchitis since I was a child.
Why is it that people listen to their relatives? Bronchitis according to DOCTORS and Medical Professionals is NOT CONTAGIOUS. It is an issue an inflamation of your tubes, which get covered by muccus. However, because of your weak state you may become infected by something that CAN be passed on to others when you sneeze or cough, BRONCHITIS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS. Those of you who think or believe it is are WRONG.
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yeah people that go to work that get other people sick, well hey douche, nowadays people have to go to work to make money. as long as you try and stay healthy you’ll be fine. people get sick all the time. yes cancer is horrible and im sorry.
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This confirms the presence of obstructive airways disease of which chronic bronchitis is one type.
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nnoooooooooooooooo!!! I believe I have bronchitis because of my 4 year old sister. I believe she got it from a friend at school
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detoxifying the body of toxins are illegal drug can be done effective with which can be found online or your local health food store., when administer correctly it can restore your good health are even save your job.
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My sister is going to do one too. I think she’s going to do a flush because I actually lost 10 lbs doing it!
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I just had Bronchitis for about 9 weeks and I’m not a smoker and it was my first time having it. It is obviously contagious considering I gave it to my room mate along with a couple friends, although theirs weren’t as severe as mine. So if it weren’t contagious, kind of ironic that everyone around me has it now too, isn’t it? Antibiotics did NOT work for me obviously, my doctor gave them to me in hopes of preventing anything else from entering my weakened body.
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my gf has bronchitis, i didn’t realise it was contagious!! Thanks for the post
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Was just at the Dr. today, have Asthmatic Bronchitis, no fever, clear phlegm. Was told by this Dr. (not my regular) that asthmatic bronchitis is caused in people with asthma by irritants, not contagious. This is what I have been told by my family doctor and specialist as well. While I definitely recommend getting the Dr.’s opinion and not self diagnosing, I was told that my symptoms, horrible cough (to the point of vomiting), clear congestion, no fever, and no other symptoms (not achy, felt fine other than the sore lungs, no sore throat etc) other than severe seasonal allergies and asthma are the indicators. I was also swabbed for strep b/c my nephew has it. I specifically asked the Dr. if it was safe to work (I teach 1st grade) and be around my bff’s daughter who is under a month and was told it was. I get this several times a year and once I get steroids and start nebulizer treatments it is gone in a day or two, don’t agree that I should miss a week of work each time, and neither does my doctor.
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I have cronic asthmatic bronchitis. Caused by asthma, smoking, and weak respiratory tract. I can get this from allergins, and smoking. I have yetto have a doctor tell me I am contageous or that a virus or bacteria are involved. Therefore asthmatic bronchitis is only contageous if a virus or bacteria are involved. Also, some doctors put you on antibiotics as a preventative measure. However, antibiotics do not work for viral infections. Some may disagree with this post but anytime you are sick, and even when you are not, ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS and do not go around people with a weakened immune system!
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Hello, my name is Lachlan. Now I’m 11, turning 12 in September, but I don’t smoke. My sister does, and has caught Bronchitis and now I know that I have caught it too. Is there any treatments that are for infected people, not the spawner? If so please answer my question, with a reply. Thanks!
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yes washing of the legs indeed ¡ lol i think u also av to wash ur head or chest… whatever,,,,,
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A month ago, my husband and I vacationed in Colorado — three nights in a motel with our daughter’s family, then camping at 8000 ft. For the last three weeks she and her husband, my husband and I all have productive coughs, never had fever, but are fighting constant fatigue. Three of her children also have begun coughing. Yellow-green phlegm, bubbly coughing for my husband. My cough is finally less frequent, but still a problem.My husband never gets respiratory stuff – but he can’t shake this one, and he’s not as affected by the fatigue — but it’s clear we all started these symptoms together.
I had Legionnaire’s disease about 13 years ago, so I worry about any respiratory infections — this last 4 weeks has left my chest very tight and I feel short of breath and get very tired. My daughter’s doctor told her today she’s checking her for pertussis (even tho she was vaccinated when young). MY doctor today said he thinks it’s asthmatic bronchitis. An x-ray of the chest seemed OK, but he’s started me on antibiotics, an Alburterol inhaler and cough meds.
Can there be two such divergent diagnoses for the same symptoms? Is one of them completely off?
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why is that, that the acute bronchitis is contagious while chronic is not? Is asthmatic bronchitis a deadly disease? I’m just worried because my boyfriend was just discovered to have asthmatic bronchitis.
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Let’s clarify something here. Bronchitis is a CONDITION, not a disease/infection. It itself is not contageous. The virus that caused the condition will likely be contageous of course, but bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, brought on by other factors. It would be like saying that headaches are contageous. You can’t catch a headache. However you can catch a virus that causes headaches. Viral infections that cause symptoms are the things that are contageous, not the symptoms themselves.
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I can get this from allergins, and smoking. I have yetto have a doctor tell me I am contageous or that a virus or bacteria are involved. Therefore asthmatic bronchitis is only contageous if a virus or bacteria are involved.thanks..
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What a load of ****. Bronchitis is not contagious. Speak to a formally trained doctor. You are peddlers in rumour and misinformation. This site has been identified as such. Fred.
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