The prevalence of Tuberculosis in our region is increasing and has significant issues for both the patient and public health if we miss it.
Symptoms
- Cough
- Fever
- Night Sweats
- Lymphadenopathy
- Weight loss
High-Risk factors to consider
Characteristics
- Previous/Latent TB
- TB Contact
- Immunocompromised
- Substance Misuse
- Homeless/Prision
- Pubs – esp. Vulcan Hudds
Travel/Ethnicity
- Eastern Europe
- India/Pakistan
- East Asia
- Africa
CXR Changes
- Upper Lobe Consolidation
- Hilar Lymphadenopathy
- Cavities
Actions
- Provide 3 AFB samples – Ideally performed in ED/Ward (but if patient fit for discharge and unable provide samples in ED give patient pots and request which they return to their GP.
- Don’t Commence TB treatment – unless instructed by respiratory team
- If admitted isolation requested
- If discharged Patient told to isolate and if must go into public wear face mask
- Contact TB team:
- Huddersfield/Halifax – Based on GP postcode
- In-Hours: either through Switch board or as EPR referral
- Out of Hours: Though EPR referral
- They will ensure appropriate notification of Public Health
Huddersfield
- Dr Anneka Biswas
- Chantelle Lashington
- Deborah Howgate
Halifax
- Dr Nicholas Scriven
- Mary Hardcastle
- Manjinder Kaur
