Bronchitis is a group of diseases provoking the inflammatory process in the bronchial mucosa. Usually pathology is common during seasonal outbreaks of ARVI. However, this is no reason to say that bronchitis is necessarily an infectious disease. Is bronchitis contagious to others?
Depending on the type of pathogen distinguish 3 types of bronchitis:
- infectious;
- caused by chemical or mechanical stimuli;
- which arose as a result of radiation damage.
If the disease occurs after exposure to radiation or exposure to chemical or mechanical factors, bronchitis can not be contagious a priori. To distinguish these types from an infectious type is the absence of a number of symptoms:
- temperature;
- coryza;
- wet cough.
The fact that bronchitis is contagious, you can speak only in the case of the infectious nature of pathology. It should be noted that the same pathogenic microorganisms will be present in the infected person. However, not necessarily infected will get bronchitis, it is likely that the pathology will take a completely different form.
Is obstructive bronchitis contagious?
Often children suffer from acute obstructive bronchitis. But this does not mean that the pathology is not affected by adults. The disease is caused by a viral infection, which is easily transmitted by airborne droplets.
In this case, microorganisms do not immediately enter the bronchi. First they settle in the area of the nasal passages, which leads to rhinitis. As far as the spread of pathogenic viruses, the larynx is affected. In this case, the patient is diagnosed with pharyngitis or laryngitis. If at this stage do not take measures to treat pathology, the risk of bronchitis is seriously increased.
The main causative agent of acute bronchitis in the obstructive form is the influenza virus. It is he who prefers to choose the mucous membranes of the bronchi for settling. Therefore, it is not surprising that obstructive bronchitis often becomes a complication of the common cold.
Is acute bronchitis not caused by viral or bacterial factors? This option can not be ruled out. In case of helminthic invasion, bronchi can be affected. In this case, the parasite will be transmitted, like viruses, by airborne droplets during coughing and breathing.
Is chronic bronchitis contagious?
As in the case of the acute form, chronic bronchitis is contagious only for an infectious cause. Typically, chronic pathology leads to frequent respiratory diseases caused by Pfeiffer's stick, pneumococci, influenza and parainfluenza viruses.
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- shortness of breath;
- wheezing in the chest;
- unproductive cough;
- the allocation of a small amount of sputum, which, when the pathology progresses, contains pus.
Often, the disease occurs in a weakened form and is accompanied only by a general malaise.
Exacerbation of pathology continues for at least 3 months. At this time, it is necessary to conduct treatment with drug therapy, which completely depends on the cause of the disease. It is during the exacerbation of bronchitis in adults and children is contagious. During remission, the pathogens fall into a "hibernation" and do not present any danger to those around them.
In order not to catch bronchitis, it is enough to observe the prevention, which is recommended in seasonal outbreaks of ARVI. It is desirable when communicating with a patient:
- Use a gauze bandage.
- Wash frequently with soap and water.
- Strengthen immunity.
- Do vaccinations against the flu.
Compliance with preventive measures will protect against the development of infection, even if you have to take care of a loved one who suffers from a chronic form of bronchitis.