Cause
is usually caused by a
. It is more common during the winter months and
often develops after an upper respiratory illness such as
or a cold caused by a virus such as
coronavirus, adenovirus, or a rhinovirus.
may be a cause,
especially in adults older than 65. About 10% of the time, acute bronchitis is
caused by
.1
Acute bronchitis can also be caused by exposure to smoke, chemicals, or
air pollution, all of which can irritate the bronchial tubes. It can also
develop from accidentally inhaling (aspirating) food or vomit.
See
a picture of
.
How acute bronchitis is spread
Acute bronchitis is
spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and liquid droplets
containing virus particles or bacteria are released into the air and onto
objects. Then you may:
- Breathe air that contains the virus particles or bacteria.
- Touch an object that has been touched by an infected person and
then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands.