A new study aims to uncover whether TB causes long-term lung damage that affects people’s quality of life.
The Respiratory Health and Wellbeing Post Pulmonary Tuberculosis (RESPOST) study, led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, will involve people in Liverpool who have recovered from TB.
The initial small-scale research will examine the potential prevalence of post-TB lung disease, which has been identified in countries with a high TB burden. However, little is currently known about how common this is in the UK or other countries with lower rates of the disease.
Researchers will also investigate the symptoms that post-TB lung disease might cause, such as breathlessness, cough, or chest infections, even after TB has been successfully treated. Participants will be asked how these issues impact their daily lives.
It is hoped that the findings will support the provision of better care and longer-term support for people who have been treated for TB.
Dr Rebecca Nightingale, Clinical Lecturer at LSTM, said: “This is an exciting pilot study funded by Asthma and Lung UK that will give us an indication of what life is like for survivors of pulmonary TB in Liverpool. It is important that we listen and learn from survivors’ experiences. We hope that this study may lead to further work and ultimately improve the personal care pathway for the post-TB period.”