What Is Acute Bronchitis?

Is Acute Bronchitis Contagious?

what is acute bronchitis Acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes, which are the hollow passages that carry air from your nose and mouth to your lungs. It usually follows a respiratory infection like a cold or influenza.

Acute bronchitis is differentiated from the other major type of bronchitis, known as chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a type of lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.

Once you have chronic bronchitis, it may stay with you the rest of your life. Acute bronchitis, on the other hand, generally goes away, with or without treatment, in a matter of days or at most, several weeks.

Causes of acute bronchitis Acute bronchitis often begins as a viral or bacterial infection somewhere in your respiratory system. It tends to strike the nose throat and sinuses first, and then it migrates to the bronchial tubes and possibly the lungs.

Chronic bronchitis is caused by outside pollutants that scar the lungs over a period of time. Most chronic bronchitis sufferers are long time smokers, but some non-smokers get the disease through exposure to dust, chemicals, or toxic gases in the air.

Is acute bronchitis contagious? The answer to the question "Is acute bronchitis contagious?" is yes. Viruses and bacteria can easily transfer from one person to another through a sneeze or a cough.

Acute bronchitis signs and symptoms The symptoms of acute bronchitis are basically the same as chronic bronchitis.

A nagging cough is usually the most prominent symptom. This cough will generally include clear, whitish-gray or greenish-yellow mucus. If the mucus is greenish-yellow, it usually means you have a bacterial infection.
A lack of energy and fatigue
A mild fever
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that grows worse with exercise or exertion.
A wheezing sound when you breathe.
Soreness in the throat.

There are several additional symptoms you'll notice if you are developing chronic bronchitis.

There may be swelling in your ankles, legs, or feet.
Your lips may become slightly blue. This indicates that your lungs are not getting enough oxygen.
You'll start to get respiratory infections more often.

Acute bronchitis and pneumonia Acute bronchitis usually clears up naturally, without treatment. Nonetheless, it's important for you to see a doctor because serious illnesses like pneumonia can follow bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis treatment Meanwhile, there are things you can do to relieve the discomfort and annoyance caused by symptoms.

Keep in mind that most of the time, acute bronchitis symptoms are caused by a virus. Therefore, taking antibiotics will be ineffective.

Check with your doctor about taking cough medicine. Sometimes, coughing can help get rid of mucus and keep your airways clear. But if you find yourself coughing so much at night you can't sleep, a cough suppressant may be in order.

Get as much rest and relaxation as you can. This helps your immune system fight off your illness.

Drink a lot of fluids and stay hydrated.

Try to keep yourself in warm places where the air is moist. This helps soothe your irritated and inflamed airways. Use a room humidifier or turn on the hot water in the shower to build up some steam. Sit in the bathroom and breathe in the steamy air for several minutes.

Take acetaminophen or aspirin if you have a fever. Remember that aspirin is not appropriate for children.

Finally, understand that smoking will irritate and inflame your bronchial tubes and worsen your acute bronchitis symptoms. Avoid smoking if you have either form of bronchitis: acute or chronic.

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