[Smoking among thyroid patients].

UNLABELLED: The effects of cigarette smoking on the thyroid disease (Graves disease, toxic nodular goiter, toxic adenoma) have been studied for years. However, the effect of smoking on thyroid function is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of cigarette smoking on the development of above-mentioned thyroid disease. PATIENTS

METHODS

Study of 405 individuals with different thyroid disease. Information on thyroid disease and smoking habits was gathered by Fagerström questionnaire, and the patients' endocrinologist or general practitioner verified the diagnosis.

RESULTS

The effect of smoking was more pronounced in Graves' patients than in other thyroid patients. We found out significant number of patients with toxic nodular goiter.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking is associated with an developing clinically thyroid disease--especially Graves disease. We also suggest the connection between psychological traits and smoking in this group of patients, corresponding with our previous examinations.