Is acute bronchitis contagious?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Is acute bronchitis contagious? First, we need to understand what is acute bronchitis. What factors can cause acute bronchitis? It is currently believed that many factors including biological, physical, chemical irritants, or allergies can lead to acute bronchitis.

Among these factors, biological factors are the most common, especially infections by microbes, which include viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia. These can potentially be transmitted to other people through droplets or other methods. Common agents include influenza viruses and chlamydia.

Other factors can also cause bronchitis, such as cold air, irritant gases, or smoke irritation, as well as allergens like pollen and dust. These cases generally are not transmitted by infection, so they do not spread to other people.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is acute bronchitis severe?

Acute bronchitis is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract that requires timely treatment. If not treated promptly, it may turn into chronic bronchitis or cause other complications, which are detrimental to health. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat the disease early. If the infection is due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or diplococcus, intravenous drip of penicillin antibiotics can be administered. During the acute phase, it is also advisable to choose antipyretic medications, as well as medications to dilute sputum and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms for symptomatic treatment. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is a condition that develops quickly, occurs suddenly, and often has severe symptoms, for which hospital treatment is recommended. Hospitalization allows for effective monitoring of the condition and offers better medical facilities, including oxygen therapy and sputum extraction to relieve discomfort. The main treatment principle, apart from symptomatic treatment, involves choosing sensitive antimicrobial agents for anti-inflammatory treatment. Chest X-rays, complete blood counts, mycoplasma tests, and C-reactive protein tests can be carried out to diagnose the specific type of pathogenic infection. If acute bronchitis is caused by bacterial infection, intravenous administration of penicillin-type antibiotics can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment to control the infection. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, depending on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Acute bronchitis fever lasts for several days.

Generally, in cases of acute bronchitis, the fever may last for three to five days. This duration varies depending on each patient's constitution and the severity of their condition, so the timeframe differs for everyone. It is advised not to worry too much. By following the guidance of a doctor and actively carrying out symptomatic treatment, one can manage. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medications should be taken; otherwise, physical methods of cooling should be used. Drinking plenty of water helps promote excretion. Acute bronchitis typically has a sudden onset, usually accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, or chest tightness and breathing difficulties. During such times, it's recommended to follow a doctor’s guidance and possibly use nebulized inhalation for treatment and symptom relief. This may involve inhaling steroids or bronchodilator medications to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, it is important to maintain fresh and flowing air indoors, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Acute bronchitis nursing measures

In cases of acute bronchitis, symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection are usually present, such as cough, phlegm, or soreness and swelling of the throat. Additionally, there may also be symptoms of breathing difficulties or chest tightness. It is advised that everyone actively seeks symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. If fever is present, it is crucial to manage the fever promptly, drink plenty of water, and promote excretion. If coughing and phlegm are severe, it is important to maintain clear airways and facilitate the expulsion of sputum. Nebulized inhalation methods can also be used to treat and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, drinking more water can help promote excretion. If symptoms of limb soreness and weakness are present, it is time to rest more, avoid overexertion, and appropriate massage may also be beneficial. It’s essential to ensure that indoor air is fresh and that the temperature and humidity are kept at comfortable levels.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How to treat acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, and productive cough. So, how should one treat acute bronchitis? Firstly, it's important to rest, stay warm, drink plenty of water, consume a light and easily digestible diet, and ensure that nutrition is adequate. Additionally, if the cause is a pathogenic infection, such as a bacterial infection, it is necessary to choose an effective antibiotic for treatment. Furthermore, symptomatic treatment is necessary; antitussive drugs can be used for a dry cough, expectorants for a productive cough, and antipyretic analgesics for fever. If there is bronchial spasm accompanied by chest tightness and asthma, asthma medications may be used.