Is bronchitis contagious?

1. 49

   youcanwinposted 12 years ago

   Is bronchitis contagious?

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2. 71

   BEAUTYBABEposted 12 years ago

   Bronchitis that has been caused due to a viral or a bacterial infection is contagious. i.e.only acute bronchitis is contagious not the chronic ones.
   Therefore, it is esential to find our from your doctor whether you are or not.
   
   Acute bronchitis is an airborne disease, so it can be spread if a normal person happens to come  into contact with any body fluids from an infected person.
   
   One more thing of interest chronic bronchitis is caused mainly from being a smoker and therefore is not contagious.
   
   Thank you
   Beautybabe.

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3. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Bronchitis just means an inflammation of the bronchi, the main air tubes leading to the lungs. Whether or not bronchitis is contagious depends on the cause. The cause can be bacterial or viral and each illness resulting from the causative organism, whether it be bacterial or viral could be contagious, depending on the stage of illness and whether the individual is being treated with an antibiotic which would render the person not contagious. The best way to prevent spread of bronchitis due to an infecting organism is through proper handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing. Do this by covering with a disposable tissue or by tucking your head into your armpit when coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with infected persons, i.e., people who are ill, especially if coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people have chronic bronchitis from smoking or other illness and they may not be acutely ill with an infectious disease. Still they may carry various organisms in their sputum which can be spread on small drops of fluid they expel into the air when they cough. If a susceptible person inhales enough of these droplets they could get infected. There are many variables involved in determining whether someone is contagious and another is susceptible. The best way to ensure your safety is through good handwashing and maintaining a safe distance from ill people, especially those who are coughing or sneezing.

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