Smoking and ArthritisSmoking has always been linked to harmful, often life-threatening diseases, such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Today, scientists are finding out that it, too, can have severe implications on patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 2000 tackled the link between rheumatoid factor, an antibody present in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and smoking.
Frederick Wolfe, MD gathered 640 patients from Kansas, all of which had rheumatoid arthritis and consequently, made observations between the smokers and the non-smokers in the group. The study showed that smokers had markedly higher rheumatoid factor levels, than non-smokers. It was also shown that the values of rheumatoid factor increased when correlated with the length of time one has been smoking. Evidence was also obtained regarding the link between smoking and the appearance of nodules. Ultimately, it was found that smoking highly contributed to the severity of a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis.
According to the American Council on Science and Health, smokers are twice more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than those who don’t smoke. The increase in severity of the disease, due to smoking, involves complications in other joints found in the body.
And while the chances of not developing rheumatoid arthritis seem to grim for those who light up, former smokers run a much lower risk of getting the disease. In a study presented at the American College of Rheumatology in 2000, it was noted that ex-smokers were not as likely to get the condition as the smokers, but still ran a higher risk compared to those who never smoked before. In fact women who have stopped smoking for at least 10 years did not carry increased risks for rheumatoid arthritis at all.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that more commonly afflicts women than men—and as such, it has been implied that there is a strong link between women’s estrogen levels and immune system. While smoking increases the rheumatoid factor in one’s body, it also decreases estrogen.
While most smokers justify the habit by harping on the relaxation it offers—a seeming distraction from the pain brought on by arthritis, it would be wise to lay of the cigarette instead. As proven by several studies, smoking does not only increase the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, it also prolongs the condition. The best way to keep yourself away from added pain is to stop lighting up—it will do your joints, your lungs, and your whole body a big favor.
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