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Tos - Overview

Definición:

La tos es una forma importante de mantener la garganta y las vías respiratorias despejadas. Sin embargo, demasiada tos puede significar que usted tiene una enfermedad o un trastorno.

Toser

Toser

Algunas toses son secas, mientras que otras se consideran productivas. Una tos productiva es aquella en la que se arroja moco, también llamado flema o esputo.

La tos puede ser aguda o crónica:

  • La tos aguda generalmente comienza de manera repentina y a menudo se debe a un resfriado, una gripe o una infección sinusal. Por lo general, desaparece después tres semanas.
  • La tos subaguda dura de 3 a 8 semanas.
  • La tos crónica dura más de 8 semanas.

Causas:

Las infecciones recientes de las vías respiratorias, tales como el resfriado común y la gripe, pueden causar tos. Otras causas comunes abarcan:

  • Inhibidores de la ECA (IECA, medicamentos utilizados para controlar la presión arterial).
  • Rinosinusitis alérgica (inflamación de la nariz o los senos paranasales).
  • Asma.
  • Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (enfisema o bronquitis crónica).
  • Consumo de cigarrillo.
  • Tabaquismo pasivo.
  • Enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE).
  • Enfermedad pulmonar como bronquiectasia, enfermedad pulmonar intersticial o tumores.
  • Infecciones pulmonares como neumonía o bronquitis aguda.
  • Sinusitis que lleva a un goteo retronasal.

Si un niño presenta tos perruna, ver crup.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/25/2011
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Chang AB, Glomb WB. Guidelines for evaluating chronic cough in pediatrics: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(1 Suppl):260S-283S.

Chung KF, Widdicombe JG. Cough. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 29.

Irwin RS, Baumann MH, Bolser DC, et al. Diagnosis and management of cough executive summary: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(1 Suppl):1S-23S.

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