Important research done on post tuberculosis lung disease

To be presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference

Prayagraj: An important research study jointly conducted by the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Motilal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj, and the Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, IMS BHU, Varanasi, has found that lung function remains affected for a long time in many patients even after successful treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. The study was conducted on 600 post-tuberculosis lung disease patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate lung function after tuberculosis and compare rural and urban patients, as well as smokers and non-smokers. Dr. Tariq Mahmood, MD, Professor and Head of the Department of Respiratory Diseases, SRN Hospital, stated that the research will be presented at the prestigious American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference 2026.

The study has been accepted for presentation at the American Academy of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The study’s abstract was published May 19 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. A key finding of the study is that a significant number of patients continue to have persistent respiratory impairment even after TB treatment.

Of the 600 patients, obstructive ventilatory defects were found in 312 (52%). Restrictive ventilatory defects were found in 192 (32%). Mixed ventilatory defects, both obstructive and restrictive, were found in 96 (16%). Professor Dr. Tariq Mahmood stated that the study clearly demonstrated that pulmonary TB can cause serious and permanent damage to lung tissue and function. Key findings and recommendations: The researchers stated that early detection and timely treatment of pulmonary TB are crucial to minimize permanent lung damage. Smoking cessation is essential, especially in rural areas. Exposure to biomass fuels like wood, cow dung cakes, and smoke should be avoided. After completing TB treatment, patients should undergo a pulmonary function test (PFT) to assess their actual lung function. Dr. Tariq Mahmood advised that if a patient experiences persistent cough or shortness of breath, they should seek immediate medical attention. The researchers said there is a need to increase awareness about post-tuberculosis lung disease, as many patients continue to suffer from long-term respiratory problems even after recovery from TB. This study highlights the need to understand the increasing burden of post-TB respiratory disease in India and the need for long-term follow-up of TB patients.