Does a lingering cough mean I still have an infection?

Q. I had a chest cold. I feel better but I still cough a lot. It is now going on for more than three weeks. Does that mean I still have an infection?

A. A chest cold suggests that you had bronchitis caused by a viral infection. But your immune system almost surely fought off the infection after five to ten days.

The infection is gone. But the bronchial tubes can remain inflamed and sensitive for many weeks afterward. The inflamed airways will cause the coughing. The inflammation also can lead to tightening of the bronchial tubes. In addition to a dry cough, you might notice

• a tight feeling in your chest
• wheezing
• shortness of breath when you exert yourself
• mild fatigue.

I usually prescribe an albuterol inhaler (Proventil, Ventolin, generic versions) to use on an as-needed basis. Adults can take up to two puffs every four hours as needed, but no more than four times over 24 hours. If this does not control the cough, sometimes an inhaler that contains a corticosteroid can be added.

There are other possible reasons for a persistent cough. The cold might have left you with postnasal drip. Another possibility is the coughing is not from the chest cold. For example, if you have allergies, they might have kicked up right after your cold.

Although the cough after bronchitis can last for three months, contact your doctor if the cough is not getting better after another couple of weeks.

Image: © milorad kravic/Getty Images