Bronchitis can be viral or bacterial. Acute bronchitis, however, is typically viral and caused by the same viruses that lead to common colds and influenza flu. That said, it is possible to have viral and bacterial bronchitis at the same time.
In addition to lab tests, sputum or mucus from a cough can be visually examined to determine whether bronchitis is viral, bacterial, or both. Clear or white mucus often indicates a viral infection, while yellow or green mucus may suggest a bacterial infection. Understanding the different types of bronchitis will help you understand the causes viral, bacterial, or environmental and well as your risk factors:.
Acute and infectious bronchitis are the two most common forms of infection. They are typically caused by:. Viruses are by far the most common cause of acute bronchitis. Not only can they cause similar symptoms but many illnesses—like pneumonia, meningitis and diarrhea—can be caused by either a virus or a bacterium.
Your doctor often can diagnose you through a medical history and physical exam. The doctor may order blood or urine tests or a spinal culture to help pinpoint a viral or bacterial infection. According to physicians interviewed by health. The CDC offers a lengthy list of non-prescription drug measures you can seek for relief of your symptoms.
Besides generally getting rest of drinking plenty of fluids, here are some of the easiest ones for adults to follow:. Healthcare Quality.
Do I Need an Antibiotic? Bacterial vs. Viral Infections Feb 21, Bacteria vs virus — learn the difference and the best way to fight each. Bacteria: Mostly friendly Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are everywhere— in the air, soil and water, on plants and in animals.
How is a bacterial infection treated? How is a viral infection treated? How are they spread? Both viral and bacterial infections are spread in similar ways: Coughing and sneezing Contact with infected people, especially through kissing and sex Contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and water Contact with infected creatures, including pets, livestock, and insects like fleas and ticks How can a doctor tell the difference?
Common with both bacterial and viral illnesses. Whether the infection turns out to be caused by virus or bacteria, you should watch your child for any of the following signs and bring them to medical attention if they develop:.
Children who are around other children will have more frequent infections. But remember most children these days thanks to vaccines that prevent most serious secondary bacterial infections will have viruses that take supportive care only. Duke Header Image Link. Stories and news about treatment advances that improve your health and quality of life. Viral Infections. Bacterial Infections. Bacterial infections may be the result of "secondary infection" meaning that the virus initiated the process but a bacteria followed when the: Symptoms persist longer than the expected days a virus tends to last Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving Sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonias are common examples of secondary infections.
Diagnosing Bacterial Infection. Whether the infection turns out to be caused by virus or bacteria, you should watch your child for any of the following signs and bring them to medical attention if they develop: Dehydration, demonstrated by decreased fluid intake; urination less than three times in 24 hours; or decreased tears with crying Increased work of breathing including fast breathing, nostril flaring, use of rib, stomach, or neck muscles to breathe Markedly decreased activity or responsiveness No improvement over a three - to five-day period All children under three months of age with a fever Children who are around other children will have more frequent infections.
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