OCCURRENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASE IN TREATED PATIENTS OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS : A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To study occurence of obstructive airway disease in treated patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and methods: 50 patients data collected from Respiratory medicine department, MGM medical college, Aurangabad, who visited OPD for various respiratory symptoms. It is ensured that patients who are participated in the study are non smokers. Previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis and treatment history is noted. Evidences of previous treatment and radiological images were collected. Each patient was subjected to a thorough clinical examination and spirometry. Results: Based on clinical findings, radiological findings, and spirometry findings, of the 50 patients studied, it is observed that 11(22%) patients had developed obstructive airway disease.4 (8%) patients have developed extensive fibrosis post tuberculosis. 3 (6%) patients have developed cavitation with fibrosis. 4 (8%) patients have developed bronchiectasis. Conclusion: It is not uncommon that obstructive airway disease occurs as a complication of post tuberculosis sequale. 22 percent of the patients studied, have developed different types of obstructive airway diseases. Many factors may influence in post tuberculosis complications such as extensiveness of parenchymal involvement, duration of illness, socio-economic factors. Obstructive airway disease can be a sequel of pulmonary tuberculosis and should be overlooked, especially in those patients complaining of dyspnea even in the absence of any history of smoking. Post-tuberculous obstructive airway disease as a cause of COPD in nonsmokers should be now more recognized in countries where the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis is still high.