FL
A 46-year-old female asked:
Is bronchitis bacterial or viral?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
31 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Binfordanswered
Thoracic Surgery 40 years experience
Can be both: Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by chronic irritants like tobacco smoke. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection but about 10% of the time it can be caused by a bacterial infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 45-year-old member asked:
Bacterial or viral bronchitis, how can I tell?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
How can doctors tell if you have viral or bacterial bronchitis?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
How do doctors know if you have viral or bacterial bronchitis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Salt Lake City, UT
A 34-year-old female asked:
How do you know difference between bacterial or viral bronchitis?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Colantinoanswered
Internal Medicine 63 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 21, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.