I have a cold and am worried about bronchits: Is it contagious?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I caught a cold from my roommate and now her cold developed into bronchitis. Can I get it from her?

Dear Roberta: Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial walls ie inflammation of a part of the respiratory system in the lungs.This is usually caused by bacteria or viruses and spreads through respiratory droplets. Since you already caught a cold from your roomate the chances are that you have already contracted th virus or bacteria. It now depends on how well your immune system fights off this pathogen. I would advice you to take some steam inhalation, vitamin c tabs along with a nasal spray to help clear your cold. All the best.