Comparison of Respiratory Function of treated Tuberculosis Patients among Smokers and Non Smokers

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis remains as the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Even after adequate anti tuberculosis treatment many patients have radiological sequelae and respiratory symptoms. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to compare the pulmonary function by spirometry and six minute walk test in treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients among smokers and non-smokers. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Detailed history including previous anti tubercular treatment and smoking was taken. Chest X ray was taken for all the patients. Spirometry and six minute walk test were conducted in the same day. RESULTS: 100 patients were included in the study of which 45 were smokers &55 were non smokers. The common radiological lesions were combined lesions in 43%, bronchiectasis in 27% and fibrosis in 25% of patients. In smokers group the common spirometric pattern was mixed pattern(58%),obstruction (29%) restriction (9%) and normal in 4% of patients. In non smokers group normal pattern was seen in 34%, obstruction in 33%, restriction in 20% and mixed pattern in 13%. In six minute walk test, the mean distance walked by smokers group was 368.16 + 30.19 and by non smokers group was 313.73+40.73. There was a significant difference between 2 groups in regard to spirometry and 6 minute walk test distance (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The functional status of the patients among smokers was significantly less when compared to non smokers in treated tuberculosis patients presenting with sequelae.