Investigating the Association of Smoking with Thyroid Volume and Function

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore possible correlation between smoking habit and thyroid volume and function in Jeddah. A total of 226 volunteers i.e. 128 male and 98 female were screened at Radiology Department King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital. They were categorized as smokers and nonsmokers; the number of smokers was 99 cases i.e. 48 Cigarette smokers and 51 Shisha smokers, and the non-smokers were 127 cases. The information was gathered via a questionnaire distributed at the radiology department. Ultrasonography of thyroid and thyroid function test were performed for 166 participants; and data were analyzed Using SPSS version 22 and Microsoft excel. The study was carried out based on random selection and findings revealed that most of the cases were in the age group between 20 to 30 years old, high body mass index (BMI) was 33.1 kg/m 2 in persons above 60 years old and the highest percentage smokers in the age group from 20 to 30 years (40.02%). Ultrasonography of thyroid showed 96 (58%) normal cases, 46 (28%) abnormal "solid" cases and 24 (14%) abnormal "cyst" cases. A lower proportion of cigarette and shisha smokers (15.4% and 5.6% respectively) had an enlarged thyroid gland compared to no cigarettes or shisha smokers (47.9% and 47.3% respectively). The difference between these frequencies was statistically significant (Chi-square = 9.446 and 11.424, p = 0.002 and p = 0.001 for cigarette and shisha smoking respectively). Consequently, it can be concluded from this research that there are no direct significant values correlating smoking habit to thyroid volume or function. However, it is always recommended not smoke due to other well-known threats.

The Impact of Smoking on Thyroid Gland Volume, Echotexture, Nodularity and Function: Initial Experience at INMAS, Mitford

“…Geographical differences are thought to influence the interaction between smoking and goiter. Most of the studies suggested an association between smoking and thyroid gland enlargement, which was found to be strong in the iodine-deficient region (6,7,8,9,10). Some authors reported significantly increased nodule formation among smokers.…”

Morphometric and volumetric analysis of lacrimal glands in patients with thyroid eye disease

“…Smokers were also more likely to experience disease progression or poorer outcome of treatment. However, there were studies proving non correlation between smoking and TED, stating that there are no direct significant values correlating smoking habit to thyroid volume or function 24 . Results from a study conducted with smokers with Graves' disease showed that they were more likely to experience rapid eye deterioration, including the development of double vision, the constriction of eye movement, and irreversible optic nerve damage 25 .…”