Is Bronchitis Contagious? 7 Ways to Avoid Spreading It

Bronchitis may bring challenges like a persistent cough, shortness of breath and chest discomfort, but we have tips for how you can recover from bronchitis and avoid spreading it.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis occurs when the airways leading to your lungs become inflamed and fill with mucus. This inflammation makes it harder to breathe and triggers a persistent cough as your body tries to clear the airways.

There are two main types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis: This type impacts you suddenly. It usually lasts from five days to three weeks. An upper respiratory virus, such as the common cold or flu, typically causes acute bronchitis. In most cases, it goes away on its own with proper rest and care.
• Chronic bronchitis: This is a recurring condition. It involves a cough that lasts for three months or longer, often returning year after year. While chronic bronchitis never completely goes away, proper management can help you control the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

In both cases, the infection typically begins in the nose, sinuses or throat before making its way down into the bronchial tubes.

So, is bronchitis contagious?

The short answer is yes. However, the condition itself is not exactly what you pass on to others. Bronchitis itself is not contagious, but the underlying viruses and bacteria that cause the airway inflammation are.

How long you remain contagious can vary depending on the specific type of infection, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. When it comes to severe chest colds, people are generally the most contagious during the first two to three days of the illness.

When a person with a chest cold coughs, sneezes or even talks, they release tiny droplets of saliva or mucus into the air. These droplets contain the virus. If you breathe them in, you can develop the same infection. Excessive coughing acts as the main transport system for these germs.

The viruses that cause bronchitis spread easily through physical contact. If an infected person touches a doorknob, a light switch or a shared office coffee pot, they leave germs behind. When an uninfected person touches that same object and then rubs their eyes, nose or mouth, the virus enters their body. It’s therefore important to wash your hands and maintain good hygiene. 

Who is at risk for contracting bronchitis?

Anyone can catch a virus that leads to chest inflammation. However, certain factors make you more vulnerable to developing bronchitis. You face a higher risk if you:

• Smoke cigarettes or spend time around secondhand smoke
• Live with asthma or other breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Experience frequent acid reflux, which can irritate your throat
• Have an autoimmune disorder or another illness that triggers systemic inflammation
• Work or live in environments with high levels of dust, fumes or air pollutants

What are the symptoms of bronchitis? 

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but you should look out for these common signs:

• A persistent cough, with or without mucus, lasting more than five days
• Chest soreness or discomfort when coughing
• Mild body aches
• Fatigue and low energy
• A sore throat
• Headaches

If you experience these bronchitis symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or go to urgent care. 

How can I avoid spreading bronchitis?

While you cannot eliminate your risk of developing bronchitis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting it and spreading it.

1. Wash your hands frequently: Use soap and warm water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
2. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke: Cigarette smoke damages your airways and weakens your lungs' natural defenses. Quitting smoking significantly lowers your risk of lung infections.
3. Use a humidifier: Dry air irritates your throat and lungs. Adding a humidifier to your room keeps the air moist, which soothes your respiratory tract and makes breathing easier.
4. Stay up to date on vaccines: Get your recommended annual flu shot and, if eligible, a pneumonia vaccine. Preventing these primary infections often prevents bronchitis from developing.
5. Keep your hands away from your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. These areas act as the main entry points for viruses hiding on your hands.
6. Maintain a strong immune system: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, exercise regularly and get plenty of restful sleep each night.
7. Keep surfaces clean: Viruses can live on most surfaces for up to 48 hours. To prevent spreading germs, regularly wipe down commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, remote controls, phones and refrigerator handles. This is especially important if someone in your family has bronchitis, a cold or the flu.

What home remedies can help with bronchitis?

Most people recover from acute bronchitis in about two weeks, though a lingering cough can stick around for three to six weeks. Antibiotics generally do not help treat viral bronchitis. Instead, focus on these home care remedies to support your recovery:

• Get plenty of rest so your body can heal
• Drink lots of water and warm fluids to thin out chest mucus
• Breathe in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of warm water to open your airways
• Use a saline nasal spray to clear out a stuffy nose
• Soothe your throat with honey, warm teas or lozenges
• Consider over-the-counter cough medications

If you have high blood pressure or feel unsure about a medication, always ask your doctor.

Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia?

Yes, in some cases, bronchitis can progress into pneumonia. While bronchitis affects the airways leading to the lungs, pneumonia is an infection that settles deep inside the lung tissue itself. If your symptoms worsen, or if you develop a high fever and shortness of breath, it could indicate that the infection has moved deeper into your lungs.

When should I see a doctor for bronchitis?

You should schedule an appointment with your medical provider if your cough lasts longer than three weeks or if you cough up blood. Seek immediate care with your provider if you experience wheezing, severe shortness of breath or a fever higher than 100.4 degrees. These signs point to a more serious infection that could require medical management.

If you are struggling with a persistent cough or need advanced lung care, we are here to help. Learn more about pulmonary care at Ochsner. 

Make an appointment with Mariah Magee.