Cough and bronchitis evaluation

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

• Acute bronchitis (chest cold): Typically improves within 7 to 10 days, although the cough may linger longer. It’s more common during the winter when in most cases, it’s caused by a virus. Irritants such as tobacco smoke, smog, chemicals in household cleaners, and dust or fumes in the environment can also trigger bronchitis.
• Chronic bronchitis: This is a productive cough that lasts 3 months or longer. When coughs or other symptoms worsen, an acute infection might set in. This may be in addition to chronic bronchitis. Common causes of worsening symptoms include smoking, air pollution and workplace exposure to dust and toxic vapors.

Antibiotics are effective only when a bacterial infection is the cause. They’re not effective against viruses or inflammation caused by irritants. For this reason, they’re not typically used to treat bronchitis. The following over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms:

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Expectorant cough syrups: These can increase the flow of bronchial secretions. They can help the secretions flow quicker making them easier to clear out. (The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend cough suppressants for children 6 years and younger.)

You can treat bronchitis symptoms at home with some natural remedies. These methods may also provide health benefits:

• Honey: There’s evidence supporting its use as a cough suppressant for people who are more than 1 year old.
• Steam: Helps loosen and clear mucus. You can breathe in steam while taking a hot bath or shower. Inhaling steam from a pan of warm water can also help.

Regular hand-washing: Helps prevent the spread of infection, particularly during the cold and flu season.

Avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth

Avoid sharing glasses or utensils: Minimize infection transfer.

Do not smoke: Also avoid second-hand smoke.

Limit exposure to airborne irritants: These include dust, fumes and other pollutants. Wear a mask if necessary.

Rest: Get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps your body maintain and repair itself. It enhances immune functions.

Use a humidifier: Maintain a healthy humidity level in your home.

Your MinuteClinic provider can help you understand the various treatment methods and related vaccinations as they apply to your specific situation and symptoms. They can also discuss the use of over-the-counter medications and other relief and recovery treatments.

Your provider can also help you learn about different preventive measures. These include flu vaccines, pneumonia and whooping cough.

If you have long COVID-19, a MinuteClinic provider can create a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed.