Bronquitis y tos

Bronchial tubes bring air from your nose and mouth into your lungs. When the tubes become inflamed, they can swell and normal secretions that keep lungs moist can accumulate. Breathing passages constrict, making it hard to keep lungs clear. The body responds by coughing to expel the mucus or phlegm.*

The first symptoms of bronchitis are similar to those of a cold or the flu. The primary symptom is a cough that can persist for several days to weeks. Other common symptoms include the following:

• Escalofríos
• Fatiga
• A fever below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Dolores musculares
• Goteo nasal
• Estornudos
• A sore throat

Después de una infección por COVID-19, algunas personas pueden tener síntomas de tos y bronquitis que duran semanas o meses. This is sometimes called Long COVID-19 or Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. Si tuvo COVID-19 y tiene síntomas nuevos o recurrentes semanas o meses después de haberse recuperado, un proveedor de MinuteClinic® puede ayudarle.

A MinuteClinic provider can explain the different treatment options. They can also discuss the use of over-the-counter medications and other supportive treatments.

For people with Long COVID-19, a provider can create a customized treatment plan based on their symptoms and refer them to a specialist if needed.

1. Es posible que tenga que responder algunas preguntas para ayudarnos a prepararnos para su consulta antes de programar su cita.

2. La manera de registrarse varía según cómo programó su cita:

   Si hizo su cita en línea:
   Regístrese con el correo electrónico o mensaje de texto que le enviamos para confirmar su cita. Si prefiere registrarse en el quiosco electrónico, asegúrese de tener su código de confirmación.

   Si hizo su cita en la clínica:
   Inicie sesión en el quiosco electrónico.

   Si programó una cita de Atención Médica Virtual con MinuteClinic®:
   Para unirse a su consulta virtual, use el enlace del correo electrónico o mensaje de texto que le enviamos para confirmar su cita. Únase 15 minutos antes de la hora programada para su consulta. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. Cuando sea momento de su cita, un proveedor lo llamará por su nombre.
4. Su proveedor hará un examen exhaustivo basado en el motivo de su consulta, los síntomas que tenga y sus antecedentes de salud. Los cargos dependerán del examen y los servicios prestados durante la visita.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material. Si usted lo solicita, podemos enviarle información sobre su consulta a su profesional de la salud de cabecera.

Acute bronchitis (also known as a chest cold) typically improves within 7 to 10 days, although the cough may linger longer. It’s most often caused by a virus but can also be triggered by irritants, such as chemicals in household cleaners, dust, fumes, smog and tobacco smoke.

Chronic bronchitis has a productive cough that lasts three months or longer. Cuando la tos u otros síntomas se agravan, puede ser por la presencia de una infección aguda, que además puede ser aparte de la bronquitis crónica. Common causes of worsening symptoms include air pollution, dust, smoking and workplace exposure to toxic vapors.

Estos medicamentos de venta libre pueden ayudar a aliviar los síntomas:

• Acetaminophen
• Expectorant cough syrups (it’s not recommended to give cough suppressants to children ages 6 years and younger*)
• Ibuprofen

Antibiotics aren't used to treat bronchitis because they are effective only when a bacterial infection is the cause. No funcionan contra virus ni inflamación causada por agentes irritantes.

At-home relief support options may help ease symptoms, as well:

• Steam helps loosen mucus.* Consider a humidifier or breathe in steam while taking a hot bath or shower.
• Honey may act as a cough suppressant* according to limited studies.

• Regular handwashing helps prevent the spread of infection, particularly during cold and flu season.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Avoid sharing cups and utensils.
• Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Limit exposure to airborne irritants, including dust, fumes and other pollutants. Use una mascarilla de ser necesario.
• Sleep helps your body maintain and repair itself, and it enhances immune functions.*
• A humidifier can help maintain a healthy humidity level in your home.

A MinuteClinic® provider can explain the different treatment options. They can also discuss the use of over-the-counter medications and other supportive treatments.

For people with Long COVID-19, a provider can create a customized treatment plan based on their symptoms and refer them to a specialist if needed.