Rheumatoid Arthritis and Smoking
Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. There is also some evidence that cigarette smoking increases the likelihood that rheumatoid arthritis will be severe when it occurs. Exactly what the link is is unknown but the facts speak for themselves.
Because of an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis and associated morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, efforts to modify risk factors such as cigarette smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and sedentary life style should accompany treatment directed at rheumatoid arthritis.
How Much Extra Risk?
Nearly a decade ago, at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in October/November 2000, researchers reported that the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is nearly double for current smokers compared to non-smokers. The risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is lower for former smokers compared to current smokers, but higher than for people who never smoked. In one study, women who were smokers but had stopped at least 10 years prior to the start of the study did not have an increased risk. however other studies indicate the risk remains high even after 20 years.
Are Men or Women More Affected?
From a meta-analysis of 16 studies, it was concluded that the strongest association between smoking and rheumatoid arthritis occurred in men who were positive for rheumatoid factor. When parameters were limited to rheumatoid factor positive patients, men had double the odds ratio of women.
Should You Stop Smoking?
Study results, presented at American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in October 2008, showed that measures of active disease — including swollen and tender joint counts and C-reactive protein — were lower in patients who had stopped smoking. This suggests that, even after you have rheumatoid arthritis, if you stop smoking you can lessen rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.
David Ogden
CEO TheInterbiz LLC
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