Is Asthmatic Bronchitis Contagious?

Bronchitis and asthma are two of the most common respiratory disorders experienced by people. Bronchitis is a disorder of the lungs that occurs when the bronchi, or the air ways in the lungs, get inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic depending on its causing factor and severity.

On the other hand, asthma is also a condition that develops when the airways of the lungs swell or get inflamed. The swelling and inflammation leads to narrowing of the air ways which causes difficulty in breathing. A person suffering from chronic bronchitis and asthma suffers from a condition known as asthmatic bronchitis.

Asthmatic bronchitis is a condition that occurs in people who have been suffering from asthma and contract bronchitis or vice versa. The symptoms of both these conditions are more or less the same, and hence, it is difficult to distinguish between the two conditions.

Asthma, bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis can be triggered off due to several factors like smoking, exposure to air borne pollution like smoke, dust, pollen, mold, etc. As mentioned above, viral or bacterial infection is also one of the major causes of this condition.

Asthmatic bronchitis or bronchial asthma is related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which occurs when a person suffers from severe and chronic difficulty breathing. The symptoms observed in people suffering from this condition are shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing, cough, chest tightness, wheezing, excess mucus production, etc.

Bronchitis in itself is contagious, but, asthma is not. Asthmatic bronchitis is not a contagious condition. Asthmatic bronchitis, in itself, is not contagious. However, the condition can be contagious if the person suffering from this condition also has a pre-existing respiratory disorder. Therefore, we can say that asthmatic bronchitis can be contagious as well as non contagious, depending on the respiratory disorders that a person suffers from.

As mentioned before, asthmatic bronchitis is not a contagious disorders in itself. However, it should be noted that viral bronchitis can be contagious for 2-4 days.

As most of the symptoms of respiratory disorders are more or less similar, it is essential to consult the doctor immediately in case you observe any symptoms. This will help in diagnosing the exact cause and nature of your symptoms.

Although asthmatic bronchitis is not a life-threatening condition, it is essential to take proper medical help in order to prevent the condition from becoming severe. The doctor will advise the person to use bronchodilators to clear the air ways, which will make breathing easier.

Secondly, the doctor will also prescribe some corticosteroids and inhalers which will also help treat symptoms like shortness of breath and breathing difficulty. Apart from the treatment methods, there are several preventive measures that need to be followed to prevent activation of the condition.

Smoking (active as well as passive) should be avoided completely; one should try to avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or use a face mask; one should vacuum regularly, and stay away from hairy pets.

Lastly, note that nearly all the respiratory disorders can be treated by avoiding smoking and exposure to air pollutions. Secondly, following a balanced diet, and exercising regularly will help in boosting immunity which also helps in keeping infections at bay. Take care!