Many infections, including pneumonia, can cause inflammation
of the airways
of the lungs. Even after the infection has cleared, it is possible for the inflammation to linger. This inflammation can last a couple of weeks. Sometimes this inflammation may linger for 3 to 6 months. The inflammation will eventually go away on it own. However using a long-term control medicine, like Advair, Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol), should help clear it away quicker.