Q: I am suffering from pulmonary problem since january 2002. Mild temperature (99-100c), loss of weight, extreme drowsiness & lesion in lower lobe of right lung was there in feburary and got admitted for ten days and diagnosis was pneumonia. I got treated and was alright for about three months. In june again symptoms started coming up, pain in chest, dry cough but there was no sputum even after giving expectorant, doctor suggested some chest X-rays, that shows lesion in right lung still there, doctor is suspecting there are some cavities, in ultrasound there is some gland formation which is suggestive of some old infection, doctor then recomended for CECT thorax, its reports indicative of pulmonary tuberculosis. Mantoux is 18mm positive, now doctor says note the temperature for one week thrice a day before meal, if it is alright then fine otherwise we will go for bronchoscopy even if it reveals something then we will start for tubercular medicine otherwise we will leave it. Radiologist says even if there are no symptoms we should start some medicine otherwise it will lead to cold abcess in lungs. Now I want your suggesstion what should I do. Shall I go for a second opinion, or leave it as such.

A:It seems that your doctor is proceeding along appropriate lines for treating your problem. I would suggest that you follow his advice. However, should you so desire, a second opinion from a chest physician could be taken.