Brief Answer: Sputum examination for AFB Detailed Answer: Namaste Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX I do understand the concern regarding your mother. The radiological findings could be consistent with pulmonary Oedema, it's more likely keeping the nocturnal occurrence of coughing and also the risk factor of Hypertension. Tuberculosis is unlikely to present with both side affection , that is tuberculosis is unlikely to be bilateral. But it cannot bee ruled out completely. I would suggest you the following investigation 1. Sputum examination for Acid fast bacilli- will demonstrate tuberculosis bacteria, Bactec test can also be done on it 2. ECG AND 2D echocardiography to know if heart disease is the cause of manifestation of disease. I would also like to have a look at the X-ray of the chest to give further personalized opinion about the same. Remember X-ray are just a shadow of real thing and they can be decisive and many findings can be seen in different disorder . it would require clinico radiological correlation. Any chronic cough it's important to rule out the following three condition 1. Tuberculosis 2. Cardiac disorder 3. Gastroesophageal reflux For the time being, symptomatic relief from cough can be achieved by following 1. Steam inhalation 2. Avoiding lying down immediately after food 3. Soothing cough syrup may help Will be happy to assist you further. Take care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS,MD

---