Do I need a second opinion?

I've been coughing the past few days: a croup-like cough that produces yellow mucous. It is accompanied by a sore throat, minor difficulty breathing, fatigue, rattling in my chest when I breathe, and mild fever. Someone at work had a similar infection, and I assumed viral bronchitis. I went to the doctor, who listened to my lungs and declared I had sinusitis because I had sinusitis around the same time last year. The doc out me on steroids and an antibiotic. I'm pretty sure I don't have sinusitis, but I'm not sure if I need a second opinion. Do I?

TweetyBird: if the sinusitis was chronic, why would I need antibiotics?

Chronic sinusitis can be asymptomatic. You can have it and not know it, yet other times you'll have symptoms. Also chronic sinusitis can mimic bronchitis. Did you know that? Perhaps your doctor has a postgraduate degree and a license for a reason after all.

Whether or not you get a second opinion is entirely up to you. I personally and professionally see no reason for you to do so. But you didn't take an oath of loyalty to this particular doctor so you're free to get another opinion if you so choose. Do whatever gives you peace of mind.

Note to "blah1977": The ones who got straight As don't always do well at the job.

YES I have had sinus problems my whole life and your symptoms sound much more involved than simple sinusitis.

always get a second opinion, and if the first two disagree, get a third.

I think any time you are uncomfortable will a doctors diagnosis you should go with your gut feeling and get a second opinion. It is your body and you know it best. My high school health teacher once told me, "someone had to graduate at the bottom of their class, it could be your doctor." Never take chances with your health. Bronchitis symptoms are similar to phenomena. **To Tweety--True, grades are not a definite indicator on how great of a doctor you will be, however doctors can be wrong. The purpose of that statement is to put the whole situation in perspective. Not all doctors are the best of the best**

if you dont feel better within a few days of being on your antibiotic go get another opinion or go back to your doctor and tell him he was wrong.

If you have rattling in your lungs it may be pneunomia. Get a second opinion. Also, could be asthma because it flares up more when you get sick.