I am an 82 year old male who has enjoyed good health all my life. A year ago at about this time, I developed a persistent cough that went on for several weeks. My PCP conducted some tests, but could not find enough information to make a diagnosis. He thought I might have a bacterial infection and considered the possibility of pneumonia. He prescribed an antibiotic which I took. I don t know whether or not the antibiotic was effective or whether the condition just ran its course. After a few weeks the condition did gradually clear up. It might just be my imagination, but this year I seem to be building up a little phlegm which stimulates occasional clearing of the throat - something I would normally just dismiss. I don t think there is anything serious going on here, but want to be on the alert for increased frequency of coughing if that should occur. Do you have a suggestion for what might be going on or what to be watching for?