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 [Harvard Health Publishing ](https://www.health.harvard.edu/) [Harvard Health Publishing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/) [HarvardHealthOnline+](https://www.health.harvard.edu/hho-plus?utm_source=site&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=top_button) Search [Customer Service](https://www.health.harvard.edu/customer-service) [Content Licensing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/licensing) [About Us](https://www.health.harvard.edu/about-us) [Log In](https://www.health.harvard.edu/login) Open mobile menu [Free HealthBeat Signup](https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat) Shop [Subscriptions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/subscribe) [Special Health Reports](https://www.health.harvard.edu/special-health-reports) [Online Courses](https://www.harvardhealthonlinelearning.com/catalog) [Pay Subscription Bill](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pay-bill) [Common Conditions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/common-conditions) [Staying Healthy](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/staying-healthy) [Resources](https://www.health.harvard.edu/resources) [Blog](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog) [COVID-19 Updates](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center) Close menu [HarvardHealthOnline+](https://www.health.harvard.edu/hho-plus?utm_source=site&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=mobile_button) ## Main Content - [Common Conditions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/common-conditions) - [Staying Healthy](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/staying-healthy) - [Resources](https://www.health.harvard.edu/resources) - [Blog](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog) ## Helpful Links - [Customer Service](https://www.health.harvard.edu/customer-service) - [About Us](https://www.health.harvard.edu/about-us) - [Content Licensing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/licensing) - [Free Healthbeat Signup](https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat) - [Subscriptions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/subscribe) - [Special Health Reports](https://www.health.harvard.edu/special-health-reports) - [Online Courses](https://www.harvardhealthonlinelearning.com/) - [Pay Subscription Bill](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pay-bill) Close Recent Articles [ How does prostate cancer treatment affect mental health?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-does-prostate-cancer-treatment-affect-mental-health-202511213107) [ 5 timeless habits for better health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-timeless-habits-for-better-health-202509243106) [ What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-prostate-cancer-202509173105) [ Is your breakfast cereal healthy?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-your-breakfast-cereal-healthy-202509083104) [ When pain signals an emergency: Symptoms you should never ignore](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/when-pain-signals-an-emergency-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore) [ Does exercise give you energy?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/does-exercise-give-you-energy) [ Acupuncture for pain relief: How it works and what to expect](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/acupuncture-for-pain-relief-how-it-works-and-what-to-expect) [ How to avoid jet lag: Tips for staying alert when you travel](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-avoid-jet-lag-tips-for-staying-alert-when-you-travel) [ Biofeedback therapy: How it works and how it can help relieve pain](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/biofeedback-therapy-how-it-works-and-how-it-can-help-relieve-pain) [ Best vitamins and minerals for energy](https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/best-vitamins-and-minerals-for-energy) 1 / 10 [Diseases & Conditions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/diseases-and-conditions) # What can cause a persistent dry cough? ## On call April 1, 2022 By [Howard E. LeWine, MD](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/howard-lewine-md), Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Share [Share this page to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough&display=popup) [Share this page to X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough&text=What%20can%20cause%20a%20persistent%20dry%20cough?%20-%20Harvard%20Health&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough) [Share this page via Email](<mailto:?subject=Great health news for you from the experts at Harvard&body=Check out this link from Harvard Health: What can cause a persistent dry cough? - https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough>) Copy this page to clipboard Print This Page Click to Print **** **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. A virus causes most upper respiratory infections. After the infection is long gone, inflamed tissues and hypersensitive nerves remain in the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), or bronchi (airways). These changes can last for much longer than people realize. In addition to a nagging cough, many people also develop wheezing. [](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=523536412&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1893341091&scheduleID=3142476&adSize=0x0&metadata=%5B%5D&matches=%5B%22Conditions%22%5D&mt=1764021518850531&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough&request_uuid=debab7b6-31c3-4d39-a437-8422730f3825&hc=894cde3277d629b31265410b9f0bcecc82e1687e&location=) In these cases, I usually prescribe an albuterol inhaler (Proventil, Ventolin, generic versions) to use as needed. Adults can take up to two puffs every four to six hours. If this does not control the cough, sometimes an inhaler that contains a corticosteroid can be added. Coughing also can be a side effect of medications, particularly ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, others) or enalapril (Vasotec), that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. The other common causes of a persistent cough in a nonsmoker with clear lungs and a normal chest x-ray are postnasal drip, acid reflux, and undiagnosed asthma. Sometimes people don't have typical symptoms associated with these conditions. For example, a person might not have nasal congestion yet still have postnasal drip. Acid reflux can cause a cough without heart-burn. And sometimes people with asthma don't notice wheezing. When there are no clues to the possible cause of a chronic cough, I often first recommend a decongestant, with or without an antihistamine, to treat possible postnasal drip. If that doesn't help, my next advice addresses the possibility of acid reflux, including - not lying down for three hours after eating - eating smaller meals - noting which foods make the symptoms worse and avoiding them - taking a short course of a proton-pump inhibitor like omeprazole (Prilosec). You might also be interested in...  ## Skin Care and Repair Harvard Health Publishing’s Skin Care and Repair Special Health Report explores scientifically approved treatments for common skin conditions from acne to rosacea, as well as the newest products and procedures for lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other cosmetic issues. Learn important information about ingredients in popular skin care lotions and cosmeceuticals and more. [LEARN MORE](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=522347365&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1893341091&scheduleID=2471913&adSize=0x0&metadata=%5B%5D&matches=%5B%22Dry%22%5D&mt=1764021518850806&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough&request_uuid=debab7b6-31c3-4d39-a437-8422730f3825&hc=c52c906ec0addff07e9aabc1a64468e15dfaa497&location=) If these approaches don't help, additional diagnostic tests may be needed. These could include breathing tests to detect undiagnosed asthma or checking for acid in the upper esophagus. Many over-the-counter cold products claim to reduce cough. If you try a cough suppressant, look for one that contains the ingredient dextromethorphan. While clinical study results are mixed, most studies suggest it decreases cough compared with a placebo. **Image: © DjelicS/Getty Images** ## About the Author  Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. [See Full Bio](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/howard-lewine-md) [View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/howard-lewine-md) Share [Share this page to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough&display=popup) [Share this page to X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough&text=What%20can%20cause%20a%20persistent%20dry%20cough?%20-%20Harvard%20Health&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fdiseases-and-conditions%2Fwhat-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough) [Share this page via Email](<mailto:?subject=Great health news for you from the experts at Harvard&body=Check out this link from Harvard Health: What can cause a persistent dry cough? - https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-can-cause-a-persistent-dry-cough>) Copy this page to clipboard Print This Page Click to Print ## 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. Recent Articles [ How does prostate cancer treatment affect mental health?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-does-prostate-cancer-treatment-affect-mental-health-202511213107) [ 5 timeless habits for better health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-timeless-habits-for-better-health-202509243106) [ What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-prostate-cancer-202509173105) [ Is your breakfast cereal healthy?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-your-breakfast-cereal-healthy-202509083104) [ When pain signals an emergency: Symptoms you should never ignore](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/when-pain-signals-an-emergency-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore) [ Does exercise give you energy?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/does-exercise-give-you-energy) [ Acupuncture for pain relief: How it works and what to expect](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/acupuncture-for-pain-relief-how-it-works-and-what-to-expect) [ How to avoid jet lag: Tips for staying alert when you travel](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-avoid-jet-lag-tips-for-staying-alert-when-you-travel) [ Biofeedback therapy: How it works and how it can help relieve pain](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/biofeedback-therapy-how-it-works-and-how-it-can-help-relieve-pain) [ Best vitamins and minerals for energy](https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/best-vitamins-and-minerals-for-energy) 1 / 10 ## Related Topics [ Diseases & Conditions Measles is making a comeback: Can we stop it?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/measles-is-making-a-comeback-can-we-stop-it-202503063091) [ Mind & Mood Can our brain talk to our immune system?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/can-our-brain-talk-to-our-immune-system) [ Diseases & Conditions Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tied to heart problems](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-tied-to-heart-problems) [Infectious diseases](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/infectious-diseases) [Lung Health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/lung-health) [Medical Tests & Procedures](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/medical-tests-and-procedures) [Medications](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/medications) You might also be interested in…  ## COVID-19, Flu, and Colds: How to prevent and treat them — and spot the differences Any given year, we’ll collectively come down with one billion colds and up to 45 million cases of flu, while the number of new cases of COVID-19 keeps rising. In this guide you will learn how to avoid getting any of these three viral infections, and, if you do get sick, what you can do to feel better. You’ll also learn when your condition is serious enough to call a doctor. The report also provides specific information about high-risk groups for whom COVID and the flu can be very serious. [Read More](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-flu-and-colds) ## Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox\! 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