“Can a cold cause bronchitis?”

Yes, a cold can definitely turn into a bronchitis. “-itis” means “inflamed” as in "tonsillitis" and “bronchitis.” When the common cold goes from the nose to the deeper breathing tubules that make up the lung airways, the bronchioles become inflamed and can make extra mucous that can carry bacteria out of the lung tissue. Inflammation of the mucous-filled lung segments can irritate the airway, causing a severe cough or leading to a pneumonia. Susceptible patients with reactive airways can have an asthma attack. When in doubt, you need to be seen in person to evaluate the need for everything from an antibiotic to airway support.

Hello,

Common cold is caused by a variety of virus types, and these virus can also infect lower portions of the respiratory system leading to bronchitis. This is fairly common, especially in children and the elderly. Treatment is typically supportive; no antibiotics are indicated.

It just means the virus migrated downwards. Some of us are more prone to have colds develop into bronchitis.

There is one respiratory tract that goes from the mouth up to the sinuses and down into the pharynx, bronchi, to the tiny alveoli. For the most part, any inoculation of a pathogen (or even nonpathogen) has the potential of colonizing the entire tract. Bacterial infections commonly cause secondary disease following a viral “cold.” The 4- to 6-week cough that is common after a cold is bronchitis. Not all bronchitis is created equal. Acute disease and chronic disease are different animals.