Question 1

is bronchitis bacterial or viral?

Accepted Answer

Usually viral: Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and influenza. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking cigarettes. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition. Antibiotics as a whole are overprescribed in bronchitis, though sometimes it is warranted.

Question 2

how to tell if bronchitis is viral or bacterial just by a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood isn't best: What is best to diagnose would be a sputum culture and respiratory viral panel if you wanted to isolate the causative agent. A good physical exam and history should be able take care of you in most situations though and help to make sure you don't have pneumonia. Bacteria in the blood is a sign of a more serious infection.

Question 3

can strep bacteria cause bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is caused by viruses in &gt;95% of cases.  The remainder are predominantly bordetella pertussis (cause of whooping cough).  It would be rare for strep pyogenes to be involved, but there may be some cases of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in which they may be involved.

Question 4

bacterial or viral bronchitis, how can i tell?

Accepted Answer

Severity....: Typically, a bacterial bronchitis will give you a higher fever, discolored sputum, malaise, etc. The symptoms with a viral infection tend to be less severe without a fever, clearer sputum, etc. However, there is overlap in symptoms so if you are not sure, you should see your doctor so the infection can be diagnosed and treated. Both can produce a significant and severe cough.

Question 5

how do you know if you have bacteria or viral bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

You generally don't: 1st, more than 95% of "bronchitis" is viral. Secondly the other 5% probably resolve spontaneously without any therapy. It really does not matter unless you are otherwise chronically ill from congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bronchitis is just a term we throw around for people who have a new cough, and it is not really that well defined.

Question 6

how do doctors know if you have viral or bacterial bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Severity of sxs : Both viral and bacterial bronchitis have similar symptoms but bacterial bronchitis usually has a higher fever, more congestion, etc but there is considerable overlap. Sometimes a sputum culture can be helpful in indentifying which bacteria are present. If there is only a low grade fever, it is usually viral.

Question 7

how can doctors tell if you have viral or bacterial bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation...: The symptoms of bacterial bronchitis are usually a bit more severe as in higher fever, more severe cough, more body aches, etc but there is overlap. When in doubt, a sputum culture can be useful. Also, viral bronchitis will usually begin resolving in a few days without treatment so if you are feeling better in a few days w/o antibiotics, chances are it is viral and antibiotics will be ineffective.

Question 8

how do you know difference between bacterial or viral bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchitis: Viral upper respiratory tract infections usually run their course in 7to10 days. If symptoms of bronchitis (coughing up discolored sputum with or without wheezing), persist longer than that,then one can presume bacterial bronchitis and antibiotics are then often prescribed to hasten resolution.

Question 9

i am sick! do i have viral or bacterial pharyngitis if it went into bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Could be either...: Acute bronchitis can be due to a bacterial or viral infection of the airways and either can start from a pharyngitis infection. See your doctor to determine which type of infection you most likely have!

Question 10

can doctors usually tell if a person has bacterial bronchitis without an x-ray?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Bronchitis is not often detectable on a chest x-ray.
This test is performed to rule out an associated pneumonia or other underlying lung issues which may have  similar presentations
bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis  based on symptoms, physical findings and lab tests.

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Doctor answers about:

Is bronchitis bacterial

A member asked:

Is bronchitis bacterial or viral?

A member asked:

How to tell if bronchitis is viral or bacterial just by a blood test?

A member asked:

Can strep bacteria cause bronchitis?

A member asked:

Bacterial or viral bronchitis, how can i tell?

A member asked:

How do you know if you have bacteria or viral bronchitis?

A member asked:

How do doctors know if you have viral or bacterial bronchitis?

A member asked:

How can doctors tell if you have viral or bacterial bronchitis?

A member asked:

How do you know difference between bacterial or viral bronchitis?

A member asked:

I am sick! do i have viral or bacterial pharyngitis if it went into bronchitis?

A member asked:

Can doctors usually tell if a person has bacterial bronchitis without an x-ray?

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