Post-tubercular Left Lung Destruction With Compensatory Hyperinflation of the Right Lung: A Complicated Case

Hyperinflation is the rise in functional residual capacity, i.e., the volume of air left in the lung after normal expiration. One lung is wholly damaged and nonfunctional, while the other lung increases its surface area to compensate for the loss of the respiratory system. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily targeting the lungs. However, if left untreated, it could lead to life-threatening conditions, such as systemic manifestations, and increase the mortality rate. When TB causes severe damage to one lung, the other lung may compensate by hyperinflating excessively to keep the body's oxygenation levels healthy. It was seen in the case of a 60-year-old male who presented to the Outpatient Department (OPD) with complaints of hearing loss, blood-tinged sputum, and cough. In investigations, compensatory hyperinflation was seen. TB and hyperinflation of the lung are not associated together, and hyperinflation is not a clinical sign of TB. This distinction is what distinguishes this particular case.