Is bronchitis contagious?

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on May 15, 2025

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Bronchitis is a common disease clinically, typically presenting symptoms such as coughing, expectorating phlegm, chest tightness, etc. Whether this disease is contagious or not depends on specific analysis. If bronchitis is caused by physical, chemical factors, or allergies, it is not contagious. However, if it is caused by pathogenic microorganisms, it could be contagious. For example, bronchitis caused by influenza virus or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is infectious, and isolation should be considered.

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Symptoms of bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to an inflammatory lesion of the bronchial mucosa caused by biological, physical, chemical stimuli, or allergies, among other factors. Bronchitis generally occurs sporadically without epidemic tendencies. It is more common in elderly and frail patients. The primary clinical symptoms include coughing and expectoration, often occurring in cold seasons or when there are significant changes in temperature. Clinically, bronchitis can present with fever in some patients. Initially, there may be a dry cough or a small amount of sputum, which can increase in volume over time. Some patients may experience worsening coughs occasionally accompanied by bloody sputum. The cough can persist for two to three weeks. If it persists, it can develop into chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, which should be taken seriously.

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How is bronchitis treated?

In clinical settings, bronchitis is treated in two main ways. The first approach includes general and symptomatic treatment. The second and most crucial approach is the use of sensitive antimicrobial drugs to kill the pathogens and provide anti-inflammatory treatment. Increased water intake and the use of antipyretic analgesic drugs for fever symptoms are recommended. It is necessary to identify whether the infection is bacterial, viral, or mycoplasmal, and to use sensitive antimicrobial drugs to kill the pathogens. Once the inflammation subsides, the symptoms caused by bronchitis will gradually diminish and fade away.

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Does bronchitis cause asthma?

Bronchitis can be classified into acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis based on the onset and progression of the condition. Acute bronchitis usually begins suddenly, with generally mild systemic symptoms. It can include fever and is mostly characterized by a dry cough or a small amount of mucous sputum. Over time, the amount of sputum may increase and the coughing may intensify, occasionally accompanied by blood-streaked sputum. There is generally no significant hemoptysis or chest pain. The duration of cough and expectoration can be quite long, potentially lasting two to three weeks. A small portion of patients may experience prolonged symptoms, eventually progressing to chronic bronchitis. The most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are also cough and expectoration, but these symptoms last much longer, typically persisting for more than two years and occurring for three months each year. A small number of bronchitis patients may experience bronchial spasms or bronchial asthma, leading to varying degrees of chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

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What to drink for bronchitis?

Patients with bronchitis can appropriately drink some plain boiled water, as it is the best beverage. It can promote the metabolism of the body and accelerate the circulation of the blood, effectively removing toxins and aiding in a quicker recovery from illness. Additionally, it is advisable to also drink some fruit and vegetable juices, which contain abundant vitamins. These vitamins can serve an antibacterial and germicidal role, greatly assisting in disease recovery. It is recommended that everyone ensures to rest adequately during illness, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain a relaxed mood, and not to be under too much stress. Patients suffering from bronchitis must ensure that their airways are clear to avoid coughing and expelling phlegm. Furthermore, one can also take cough and phlegm relieving medications under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate symptoms.

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Daily care for children's bronchitis

For children with bronchitis, it is essential to keep warm and avoid exposure to cold and wind, especially from cold air, which can reduce the local resistance of the bronchial mucosa and exacerbate the condition of bronchitis. It is also important to monitor the child's body temperature, maintaining it above 36.5 degrees Celsius, drink plenty of water, and promote metabolism to enhance the body's immunity. Additionally, attention should be paid to the diet, which should primarily consist of liquid or semi-liquid foods. It is also appropriate to drink some sugar water or light salt water. It is important to increase dietary nutrition by consuming light, fully nutritious, balanced, and easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid foods such as porridge, egg custard, soft noodles, fresh vegetables, and fruit juices. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain the child's respiratory passages clear, focus on expectoration, and ensure regular ventilation in the room to keep the air fresh and flowing, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels.