Think -TB

embeds
May 2, 2025

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