Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Tuberculosis (TB)
If you experience the symptoms of TB, our respiratory consultants are able to diagnose and treat you.
About
Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that is contagious between people. If a person has TB they can pass it onto you by sneezing or coughing. You may inhale their germs and the infection then passes into your lungs. If you experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, our respiratory experts can help to diagnose and treat you.
Need to know
Symptoms you may experience if you have TB include:
- persistent coughing that also produces phlegm
- high temperature/fever
- night sweats
- fatigue
- loss of appetite/weight loss
- swellings in the neck/glands
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose tuberculosis include:
- chest X-ray to examine any visible difference in your lungs
- CT, MRI or ultrasound scan to assess other parts of the body that may be affected
- urine and blood tests
- samples of your phlegm or tissue in the affected area
- inspection of your lungs with an endoscope (long, thin tube with a camera on the end)
- Mantoux test where a substance called PPD tuberculin is inserted into your forearm
In most cases, TB can be treated with a strong course of antibiotics. However depending on the type of TB there are different medications and treatment options available. Antibiotics for pulmonary TB are taken over a six month period. This is the same for extrapulmonary TB, though you may also be prescribed a corticosteroid injection for the first few weeks. This is to help reduce swelling. For latent TB in older patients, your consultant may prescribe a combination of antibiotics for three months. This is because too strong a course of antibiotics may cause liver damage.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.