Bronchitis is a respiratory condition caused by inflammation of the bronchi (airways) in the lungs. It leads to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Bronchitis can be acute (lasting less than 3 weeks) or chronic (lasting 3 months or longer). Acute bronchitis often occurs after a viral respiratory infection like the cold or flu. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by smoking or long-term exposure to irritants like dust or fumes.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
The main symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Coughing that brings up mucus
- Wheezing when breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Low fever
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Body aches
In acute bronchitis, the cough typically lasts around 5-10 days but can persist for up to 4 weeks. In chronic bronchitis, the cough is present most days for at least 3 months of the year, for two years in a row.
Is bronchitis contagious?
Acute bronchitis is often contagious when caused by a virus like the flu or common cold. The viruses that cause it can spread through:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Close contact with infected people
Chronic bronchitis itself is not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that often exacerbate symptoms can be spread from person to person. Proper handwashing and covering coughs can help prevent spreading acute illnesses that worsen chronic bronchitis symptoms.
Should you go to work with bronchitis?
Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to go to work with bronchitis:
Is it acute or chronic bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis often requires staying home to rest and recover. It can be contagious in the early stages and symptoms like heavy coughing may prevent you from working effectively. Most healthy adults can recover from acute bronchitis within 1-3 weeks with proper care.
Chronic bronchitis symptoms can often be managed with medications, allowing people to work during flare-ups. But chronic bronchitis may require occasional sick days when symptoms are severe.
How severe are your symptoms?
Mild acute bronchitis may not require missing work, especially if you have an office job and minimal coughing or fatigue. But more severe acute bronchitis with discomfort, heavy mucus production, or difficulty breathing should keep you home to prevent complications.
During a chronic bronchitis flare-up, take your symptoms into account. Stay home if you have a high fever, chest tightness, severe wheezing, or excess fatigue. Working with severe chronic bronchitis symptoms can prolong recovery.
What is your occupation?
Those with physically demanding jobs or who work around lots of people may not be able to work with even mild bronchitis. Coughing can worsen with activity, and viral bronchitis can spread quickly in crowded workspaces like offices, schools, and restaurants.
People with office jobs or other less active work may be able to work from home. But customer service and healthcare workers should avoid patient contact to prevent viral transmission.
How long have you had symptoms?
People with acute bronchitis are often most contagious for the first 5 days of illness. It’s best to avoid work and public settings during this time until the risk of transmission lowers.
For chronic bronchitis, evaluate how long your current flare-up has lasted. Staying home at the start can minimize overall time missed if symptoms improve.
Can you take time off work?
If you have paid sick leave, use it if you’re unwell with bronchitis. Going to work sick can prolong symptoms and recovery time.
If you cannot take sick days, talk to your employer about options like remote work. Be cautious about using public transportation and wear a mask at work to prevent transmitting viruses.
How to manage bronchitis at work
If your symptoms are mild or you cannot take time off, here are some tips for managing bronchitis while working:
- Get adequate rest at home before and after work shifts
- Use cough drops and throat lozenges
- Take prescribed bronchitis medications as directed
- Use a humidifier at your desk to moisturize dry airways
- Drink plenty of water to thin mucus
- Avoid irritants like smoke and harsh fumes
- Take periodic breaks from your desk for fresh air
- Sanitize hands and work area surfaces frequently
- Limit contact with others as much as possible
Notify your employer
Inform your manager or supervisor that you have bronchitis. Be upfront about your symptoms and any potential limitations on your work duties. Planning ahead enables colleagues to cover for you if needed.
Adjust your schedule
Ask about staggering your shifts or hours to work from home part or full time. Scheduling flexibility can help accommodate extra rest periods.
Wear a mask
Wearing a surgical or N95 mask can contain coughs and reduce infecting co-workers. Mask use is especially important in shared spaces.
Use sick days strategically
Take off the most severe days and save sick days for when you most need rest. Splitting up your time off can allow you to recover without missing too much work.
Stay home when required
Comply with workplace policies regarding respiratory illness. Food service workers and healthcare providers may have to stay home for a period to prevent transmission.
When to see a doctor
Make a doctor’s appointment if you experience:
- Cough lasting over 3 weeks for acute bronchitis
- Worsening chronic bronchitis symptoms
- Cough producing bloody mucus
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Recurrent acute bronchitis
Seeking medical attention helps identify any complications requiring treatment or medications. It can also provide guidance on any work restrictions needed for more severe illness.
Prevention
You can reduce your bronchitis risk with these healthy habits:
- Avoid cigarette smoke and air pollution
- Use masks and practice hand hygiene in crowded settings
- Get an annual flu shot to prevent viral respiratory infections
- Use proper cough and sneeze etiquette
- Clean humidifiers, air filters, and air ducts regularly
- Limit exposure to irritants like dusts and fumes that worsen airway inflammation
Conclusion
Going to work with bronchitis often prolongs recovery time and exposes others to infection risk. Staying home when symptoms are moderate-severe allows your body to rest and contain the illness.
Use sick days when possible and be upfront with employers about your condition. See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. With proper care and prevention, bronchitis can often be managed without missing too much work.