How common is bronchitis in adults?

Does bronchitis really exist? About 5% of adults self-report an episode of acute bronchitis each year, and up to 90% of them seek medical advice. Viruses appear to be mainly responsible, causing up to 95% of cases of acute bronchitis in otherwise healthy adults.

Who is most likely to get bronchitis at any age?

It is frequently caused by the same kind of virus that causes the common cold, and this virus is widespread. Though it can occur at any age, acute bronchitis is most common among young children and older adults.

Which is more common acute bronchitis or chest cold?

Acute bronchitis is more common and usually is caused by a viral infection. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold. Episodes of acute bronchitis can be related to and made worse by smoking.

Can a person get bronchitis from another person?

If bronchitis is due to a viral or bacterial infection, it is possible to transmit the infection to another person through droplets when coughing. Learn more here about the transmission of acute bronchitis.

How often does bronchitis flare up in the winter?

The symptoms are often worse in the winter, and it is common to have two or more flare-ups a year. A flare-up is when your symptoms are particularly bad. The bronchitis infection can be caused by either a virus or bacteria, although viral bronchitis is much more common.

Is there anything I can take for bronchitis?

Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, such as fever, headache, and aches and pains. Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers, unless advised by a doctor, due to the associated risk of Reye’s syndrome.

How long will I be contagious due to bronchitis?

But if you keep coughing for a week or longer, even after your other symptoms are gone, you might have bronchitis. How Long Will I Be Contagious? It depends on the type of virus that you have. In most cases, you’ll be contagious for a few days, and possibly as long as a week.

When is bronchitis no longer contagious?

Doctors from the National Health Service explain that you will no longer be contagious around 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics. However, the exact time bronchitis infections are infectious varies from person to person.

Is bronchitis a contagious disease?

All types of bronchitis are not contagious. It is contagious only if caused due to viral or bacterial infection. Acute cases of bronchitis are usually contagious. Bronchitis is a respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchi or the branches of the trachea, due to virus or bacteria.