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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
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
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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