Can You Catch Bronchitis from Someone Who Has It?

There are two types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses and in some cases bacteria, which is contagious and you can catch it from someone who has it. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious.

Bronchitis is an irritation and inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs that causes a cough. 

There are two types of bronchitis: 

• Acute bronchitis (also called a “chest cold”)
  • The most common type of bronchitis
  • Caused by an infection
    • Most often caused by viruses such as the common cold, influenza, or whooping cough
    • Can also be caused by bacteria
  • Lasts less than 3 weeks
• Chronic bronchitis
  • A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Most often caused by smoking
  • Cough lasts for 3 months or longer for 2 or more years in a row

Because acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses and in some cases bacteria, it is contagious and you can catch acute bronchitis from someone who has it. 

Chronic bronchitis is not contagious. 

Symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• A nagging cough that lasts less than 3 weeks
• Coughing with or without mucus (mucus may be clear, yellow, or green)
• Cold or flu symptoms
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
• Soreness in the chest
• Fatigue
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches

See a doctor if you have a cough and:

• Fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• Chest pain when coughing
• Trouble breathing/shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• A barking cough that makes it difficult to talk
• Unexplained weight loss that accompanies the cough
• Symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks 
• Repeated episodes of bronchitis

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Coughing up mucus on most days for at least 3 months, for 2 years in a row 
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or tightness

• Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses such as the common cold, influenza, or whooping cough. It may sometimes be caused by bacteria. 
• The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Chronic bronchitis can also occur from breathing in toxic fumes or gases.

Acute bronchitis can often be diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. No tests are usually needed. If the cause of the cough is unknown, a chest X-ray may be ordered.

Tests to diagnose chronic bronchitis may include:

• Chest X-ray 
• Spirometry

Treatment for bronchitis depends on whether it is acute or chronic. 

Acute bronchitis usually goes away on its own, but it can take a few weeks. Acute bronchitis is generally not treated with antibiotics, because it is usually caused by a virus, and antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. 

Home remedies may be used to relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis, such as:

• Rest
• Drinking plenty of liquids
• Drinking hot tea
• Sucking on lozenges, cough drops, or hard candy (young children should not be given lozenges or cough drops due to choking risk)
• Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines
• OTC pain-relievers including acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for cold or flu symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, or joint pain
• Inhaling warm, moist air, such as in the shower, over a kettle, or from a humidifier
• Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke

Treatment for chronic bronchitis includes: 

• Prescription medications 
  • Inhalers to help open up airways or reduce swelling in the airways
  • Steroids for inflammation
• Oxygen 
• Pulmonary rehab to learn exercises and ways to breathe that can help ease symptoms

Other steps to take for chronic bronchitis: 

• Don’t smoke or vape
• Get the flu shot every fall and the pneumonia vaccine at least once