Post-tuberculosis lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The burden of chronic airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continues to increase, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is characterized by chronic lung changes after the "cure" of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which may be associated with the pathogenesis of COPD. However, data on its prevalence, clinical manifestations, computed tomography features, patterns of lung function impairment, and influencing factors are limited. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying PTLD remain to be elucidated. This review summarizes the recent advances in PTLD and TB-associated COPD. Research is urgently needed both for the prevention and management of PTLD.