Although the disease is not common in Britain, Birmingham has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Though the last two years have seen a 10% reduction in cases, Birmingham still sees up to 400 patients diagnosed with TB each year.

Across the world, TB is second only to HIV/AIDS as the world’s greatest killer.

Tuberculosis is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It is a serious condition which mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, including the bones and nervous system.

People who are particularly at risk of catching TB include:

• those living in areas where existing TB infection levels are high
• people who have been in contact with someone who has been infected
• those who have a weak immune system
• people who have lived in or travelled to parts of the world where TB is more common (Africa and South East Asia)

Symptoms will vary depending on where the infection occurs. A cough that lasts for more than three weeks, or coughing up blood, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite are the most common symptoms to look out for. Other symptoms may include headaches, abdominal pain and swollen glands.

At University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), family, friends and colleagues of TB patients are risk assessed by our specialist nurses, then screened for TB if they are felt to have had significant contact with an infectious TB case.

Debby Edwards, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), said: “TB can affect anyone; we see a diverse range of patients. Many also have a co-infection with HIV, and many patients are alcohol dependent or homeless.

“If left untreated or if treatment is not completed, TB can be fatal, as it can lead to multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), which can take up to two years to treat. We would advise that you see your GP if you have been suffering from any of the symptoms. Most TB cases can be cured by completing a six-month course of antibiotics.”

If you have been diagnosed with TB there are precautions you can take to help prevent TB spreading to your friends and family. These include following the advice given by your specialist nurse, which may include staying off work or school/college until you are advised it is safe to return. Make sure you cover your mouth when coughing. Also remember to open windows when possible, enabling you to take in a good supply of fresh air, and maintain good hand hygiene.

QEHB’s specialist infection prevention and control nurses will be in the Atrium at the hospital on 31 March, talking to the public and staff on the signs and symptoms of TB, as well as raising awareness among staff on what to look out for and the processes to follow when a patient has the disease. Come along to find out more.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Mindelsohn Way
Edgbaston
Birmingham, B15 2GW

For more information about TB, please visit the NHS Choices website.