Is Bronchitis Contagious? Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Coughing, wheezing, and struggling to catch your breath — bronchitis can turn a simple cold into something much more uncomfortable. But beyond the symptoms, one question often comes to mind: Is bronchitis contagious?

With respiratory illnesses often spreading in workplaces, schools, and homes, it’s important to know how bronchitis works so you can protect yourself. So, let’s explore what bronchitis is, how long it lasts, how to prevent it, and whether you should worry about catching it from others.

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes — the passages responsible for carrying air to the lungs — become inflamed. This inflammation results in swelling, mucus buildup, and even difficulty breathing, often accompanied by a persistent cough.

There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is a temporary condition usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. It typically lasts for a few weeks and often develops after a cold or the flu. Chronic bronchitis is a more long-term condition, with symptoms lasting for several months or longer. Chronic bronchitis is often linked to smoking or extended exposure to irritants like pollution. Along with emphysema, chronic bronchitis is considered a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Read More: 6 Respiratory Illnesses That Could Mean Trouble for Your Lungs

Acute bronchitis is primarily caused by viruses, like those that typically cause the flu, colds, or COVID-19. Less frequently, bacterial infections can trigger a bout of bronchitis. In some cases, irritants such as smoke, dust, or chemical fumes can inflame the bronchial tubes, causing acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis typically lasts about 10 days to a few weeks. But even though the infection may clear up relatively quickly, a nagging cough can linger for several more weeks after the inflammation has subsided.

Chronic bronchitis, by contrast, is usually caused by long-term irritation of the lungs. Smoking is the top risk factor for developing chronic bronchitis, but frequent exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, or a history of respiratory disease can also contribute. Symptoms like coughing and mucus production can last for months or even years, and they tend to worsen over time if the underlying cause, such as smoking, is not addressed.

Read More: What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking?

Because bronchitis is inflammation in your airways, the condition itself is not contagious. However, the viruses, including SARS-CoV2, and bacteria that lead to bronchitis are contagious.

Viruses and bacteria can spread through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Close contact with an infected person, touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, or sharing utensils can also transmit the infection.

Chronic bronchitis develops over time and isn’t usually the result of an infection by a virus or bacteria. That means you cannot "catch" chronic bronchitis from someone else.

Read More: Does a Runny Nose Mean You Have COVID-19, the Flu, or a Common Cold?

In most cases, bronchitis is not life-threatening. However, complications can arise, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, children, the elderly, or those with preexisting lung diseases like asthma or COPD.

For acute bronchitis, the biggest risk is that it may progress to pneumonia, a more serious lung infection, especially if left untreated. Pneumonia occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, making it more difficult to breathe. Symptoms of pneumonia to watch out for include:

• Persistent high fever, sweating, and/or chills

• Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing

• Shortness of breath or rapid, shallow breathing

• A cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus

• Fatigue and muscle aches

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Confusion, particularly in older adults

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after a bout of bronchitis, it’s important to seek medical attention, as pneumonia can be serious, or even life-threatening, if left untreated.

Chronic bronchitis, meanwhile, is typically more concerning in the long term because it is a form of COPD, which is a leading cause of death worldwide. Without proper management, chronic bronchitis can lead to severe respiratory issues and complications, but it is not usually fatal on its own.

Read More: What Is Human Metapneumovirus? The Cold-Like Illness You've Probably Never Heard Of

Preventing bronchitis starts with avoiding the factors that cause inflammation in the bronchial tubes. To reduce the risk of acute bronchitis, it's important to wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of viruses, avoid close contact with individuals who have respiratory infections, and get vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia, which can help lower the risk of viral infections that may lead to bronchitis.

For chronic bronchitis, the key is to minimize exposure to lung irritants. Quitting smoking is the most crucial step, as it is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. Additionally, avoiding secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes can help protect your lungs and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic bronchitis.

Read More: Why Do I Get Sick So Often, While Others Stay in Freakishly Good Health?

Treatment for bronchitis largely depends on whether it’s acute or chronic. Supportive care is often the best approach for acute bronchitis, which is usually caused by a virus or other infection. This includes resting to give your body time to recover, staying hydrated to help thin mucus for easier expulsion, and using over-the-counter medications, such as cough suppressants or pain relievers, to manage symptoms. Antibiotics are typically not recommended unless a bacterial infection is suspected as the underlying cause.

Treatment for chronic bronchitis focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Inhalers are commonly used to open the airways and reduce inflammation, while pulmonary rehabilitation can improve lung function over time. In some cases, medications like bronchodilators or steroids may be necessary.

Both types of bronchitis can cause significant discomfort, but they are manageable with the right care. Remember, the best ways to prevent and treat bronchitis are practicing good hygiene, avoiding irritants, and seeking medical advice when necessary.

Read More: Chicken Noodle Soup Really Can Help When You're Sick

Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Bronchitis

• Cleveland Clinic. Bronchitis

• Johns Hopkins Medicine. Acute Bronchitis

• Johns Hopkins Medicine. Chronic Bronchitis

• Stanford Medicine. Types of Chronic 

• UC Davis Health. Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Bronchitis

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  COPD: Causes and Risk Factors

• Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Bronchitis

• Mayo Clinic. Acute bronchitis: Is it contagious?

• Cleveland Clinic. Pneumonia

• Mayo Clinic. Pneumonia

• CDC. Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis) Basics

• Medline Plus. Chronic Bronchitis

• Mayo Clinic. Bronchitis

Jake Parks is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in covering science news. He has previously written for Astronomy magazine, Discover Magazine, The Ohio State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and more.