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Diseases & Conditions
What can cause a persistent dry cough?
- By Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
On call
Q. I have developed a dry cough that has persisted for almost two months. I otherwise feel fine. I have never smoked. What might cause this?
A. My first question is whether you had cold symptoms or COVID before the cough began. If so, it’s common to still have a cough for weeks after an upper respiratory infection. However, when someone has a cough lasting six weeks or longer, my practice is to order a chest x-ray to check for an underlying lung problem.
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About the Author

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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