Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Tobacco Smoking

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical, radiological, bacteriological and therapeutic effects of
pulmonary tuberculosis in tobacco smoking.
Methods: Hundred cases were divided into 2 groups, 50 smoking patients: Group Aand 50 nonsmoking patients: Group B. All our patients were male, the mean age was 41 years ± 12 in group A
and 36 years ± 16 in group B. The consultation time was longer for smokers, the median was 60d
(30; 98) against 40d (30; 60), the clinical symptomatology was variable in both groups, dominated
by sputum in smokers 96% versus 60%.
Results: The radiological lesions were similar in both groups as well as the bacillary load. All
patients were put on anti-tuberculosis treatment. After one month of treatment, microscopy was
negative in 50% of group A versus 66% in group B. the regression of radiological lesions was
similar in both groups. The delayed diagnosis due to the delay in analysis of the sputum smears
and lack of smoking cessation is the main point of complication in the pulmonary tuberculosis
patients.
Conclusions: Smoking cessation and sputum microscopy must be an integral part of the
management of patients with tuberculosis.