Tuberculosis
Some people think that TB is an old disease but it is still present in our society. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has the largest number of TB cases across all other NHS Boards.
The risk factors for developing TB include:
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system (e.g., cancers, diabetes, HIV)
- Malnutrition
- Tobacco use
- Close-contact situations
- Alcohol and IV drug abuse
- Certain occupations (e.g., health-care workers)
- Deprivation, homelessness, overcrowding
- Being born in or have frequent stays in high risk countries
TB commonly infects the lungs and respiratory tract, but it can infect almost any part of the body. The symptoms of active TB vary, depending on which part of the body is infected and some people may have no symptoms at all (latent TB). Common symptoms of active TB are:
- Persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
- The cough can produce phlegm, which may be blood stained
- Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
- Night sweats and high temperature (fever)
- Tiredness and fatigue
- New swellings that haven’t gone away after a few weeks
TB is a serious but treatable disease, with the proper care and support, most people can make a good recovery.
For more info PHS
NHSGGC TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialists
NHSGGC has 5 TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialists who are responsible for the case management of patients diagnosed with TB.
A patient is assigned to a TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialist by postcode, each nurse being responsible for a geographical area within NHSGGC.
Primary care staff who require any advice regarding TB or guidance about screening potential contacts of a TB case should call the TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialist responsible for the individual’s postcode area. The TB Clinical Liaison Nurse Specialist will advise if any action has to be taken.
Enquiries about a patient’s TB medication should also be directed to the responsible nurse.
Contact Tracing
TB Clinical Nurse Specialists will identify close contacts of a TB case, screen them for active disease and organise testing as required. These may include:
- Mantoux (skin) testing
- Blood tests (IGRA/Quantiferon)
- Chest X-ray
BCG Programme
TB Nurses are also responsible for administering BCG vaccine to both children and adults. The current BCG vaccination programme is mainly targeted to babies who are at risk of TB.
TB leaflets
- 31 Jan 2018 Anti TB Treatment (Current in 2019)
- 31 Jan 2018 TB General Information Information leaflet (Current in 2019)
- 31 Jan 2018 TB leaflet for TB contacts A leaflet with information for people who have been in contact with a person diagnosed with TB (Current in 2019)
- 31 Jan 2018 TB Leaflet The Facts New Patient Leaflet with facts for new patients (Current in 2019)