How Long Does a Bronchial Infection Last

Bronchial infection, also referred to as bronchitis, is a condition that is typically marked by the swelling of the inside walls of the bronchial tubes. As we all know, the bronchial tubes, also known as bronchi, is a passage that connects the wind pipe with the lungs.

So when these bronchial tubes show inflammation, it does not allow the air to move freely in and out of the lungs. Restricted air flow brings about breathing problems in people suffering from bronchial infection. Frequently coughing mucus, chest pain, and fever, are the other signs of bronchial infection.

There are different factors responsible for triggering a bronchial infection. The infection of the bronchial tubes falls under two categories; viral and bacterial. Moreover, it can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). All these factors as well as the underlying cause of bronchitis influence the duration of the infection. It is discussed below:

Influenza, better known as seasonal flu, is classified as a viral infection that may also affect the bronchial tubes. The virus specifically targets the organs of the respiratory system.

Hence, the person diagnosed with influenza experiences a stuffy nose, frequent bouts of dry cough, and a sore throat. Muscle aches and high fever is a common complaint among flu sufferers.

Bronchitis is considered as a complication of seasonal influenza, and usually occurs in people with a weakened immune system. Bronchitis arising from seasonal flu is sudden, and usually goes away within 7-10 days.

Common cold infections that people usually experience 3-4 times in a year can also cause bronchitis. The infection is usually caused by rhinovirus, typically affects the nose and the throat.

Runny nose, cough, watery eyes, and frequent sneezing, are some of the most common symptoms of a common cold. Bronchial infection due to common cold usually is not severe, and may last up to 7 days.

Pneumonia strikes the lungs and is the result of either a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. In this type of respiratory problem, the tissues that form the lungs become inflamed.

People diagnosed with pneumonia typically find it difficult to breathe, and this may be followed by fever, productive cough, chest discomfort, fatigue and nausea. When pneumonia leads to bronchitis, it may take almost a month before the bronchial infection finally disappears.

Smokers are prone to chronic bronchitis that does not go away so easily. The habit of smoking also causes long-standing bronchitis, that may remain for about 3 months. However, this initial period of 90 days is not the end of the bronchitis. Years of smoking can cause bronchitis to recur at regular intervals, and this may continue for at least two years.

Often, patients ask, is acute bronchitis contagious, how long does a bronchial cough last, and does it go away immediately after the infection has cleared away! Unfortunately, it is observed that patients continue to cough intermittently even if bronchitis heals completely. 

Although the infection has been cured, it leaves the air passages irritated, which is the reason why the person experiences intermittent bouts of coughing for quite some time. Bronchitis is a contagious infection, meaning it can migrate from one person to another. The infection uses air as its mode of transmission.

Coughing spells from infected patient is perfect chance for infection to spread to healthy people. The point is the person who gets it after coming in contact with an infected person may not show all the symptoms of bronchitis. He may either suffer from a mild form of bronchitis or have upper respiratory tract infection that affects only throat and nose.

Also, the ability of the virus or bacteria to spread persists as long as the infection persists. The contagious duration is dependent upon the amount of time the infection stays in the body.

When the infection completes its course and clears away, it will no longer be contagious. Fortunately, chronic bronchitis is not contagious, and so the answer to the question is chronic bronchitis contagious', will be 'No'.

On the whole, acute bronchial infections resulting from respiratory conditions like common cold and influenza usually last for a week or two, but may extend up to few months (6 weeks) in case the infection is severe.

Bronchial infection staying more than 6 weeks is indicating that the infection has also spread to the lungs. Whereas in chronic bronchitis, the symptoms subside and exacerbate for many years. Managing chronic bronchitis effectively is possible and involves abstaining from smoking and minimizing exposure to air pollutants by wearing a face mask.