Cigarette smoking has declined in most developed countries but remains prevalent in a number of underdeveloped countries. It is estimated that around 20% of the global population smokes or uses tobacco-related goods. Tobacco use is a known risk factor for lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and a variety of pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis. Clinical symptoms in patients with smoking-related lung illnesses were frequently vague and did not aid in distinguishing between different etiologies. For a study, the clinical-pathologic-radiologic aspects of the most prevalent smoking-related lung illnesses were reviewed by the researchers, with an emphasis on imaging characteristics.
Although smoking cessation was a common treatment for all of these conditions, their etiology and prognosis differed, underscoring the significance of a proper differential diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach that included the patient’s clinical history, physical examination findings, pulmonary function test results, and radiographic findings was the most effective way to achieve a definite diagnosis. The use of imaging in the identification of smoking-related lung illnesses was critical. Although chest radiography was the first imaging test recommended for patients who report lung symptoms, its sensitivity, and specificity in determining the underlying cause were low. When examining individuals with smoking-related lung illnesses, computed tomography of the chest is far more sensitive and precise than plain film.
