London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1929
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough.
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Table III. Mode of Onset in Pulmonary Cases.
| Mode of Onset. | Number of Cases. | Percentage. |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | 116 | 52.25 |
| "Influenza" | 16 | 7.21 |
| Pleurisy | 13 | 5.86 |
| Pleurisy with effusion | 5 | 2.25 |
| Haemoptysis | 21 | 9.46 |
| Other modes | 51 | 22.97 |
| Total | 222 | 100.00 |
Cough is the commonest mode of onset in pulmonary
Tuberculosis but it should be noted that cough may be entirely
absent until the disease is well advanced. It is also important
to realise that the first clinical manifestation of Tuberculosis may
be a pleurisy with or without effusion or that the disease may be
ushered in with a brisk haemoptysis (blood-spitting). So-called
"Influenzal" attacks may be and no doubt often are, merely
manifestations of pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Table IV. Occupations in the 222 Cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
| Occupation. | No. of Patients. | Occupation | No. of Patients. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housewives | 34 | Lens maker | 1 |
| Domestic Servants | 8 | Upholsterer | 1 |
| Laundry Workers | 3 | Steel Erector | 1 |
| Household duties (various) | 4 | Painters and Decorators | 5 |
| Waitress | 1 | Asphalter | 1 |
| Clerks and Typists | 22 | Book Binders | 2 |
| Stenographer | 1 | Sign Writer | 1 |
| Shop Assistants | 14 | Joiner | 1 |
| Factory Workers | 14 | Stonemason | 1 |
| Packers | 6 | Rivetter | 1 |
| Machinists | 3 | Plumber | 1 |
| Tailors, Dressmakers, &c. | 10 | Carriage Cleaners | 2 |
| Nurses | 2 | Bus Conductors, Railway Guards & Engine Drivers | 7 |
| Teacher | 1 | ||
| Students | 2 | Insurance Inspector | 1 |
| Civil Servant | 1 | Record Inspector | 1 |
| Post Office workers | 3 | Engineers & Electricians | 4 |
| Oil Chemist | 1 | Hall Porters and Cinema Attendants | 4 |
| School Children | 3 | ||
| Milk Roundsmen | 2 | Sailor | 1 |
| Meat Carrier | 1 | Travellers and Agents | 6 |
| Chef | 1 | Dancer | 1 |
| Butcher | 1 | Rag Sorter | 1 |
| Barmen | 3 | Surveyor's Assistant | 1 |
| Hairdressers | 3 | Dental Mechanic | 1 |
| Cooper | 1 | Outdoor Workers (Unclassified) | 10 |
| No occupation | 7 | ||
| General Labourers | 14 |