Smoking Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Evidence

The link between smoking and rheumatoid arthritis was more evident in new research presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. In a meta-analysis of 16 studies, Japanese researchers 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. The study abstract is available online. (Presentation number 749)

In another study, after assessing 52 patients with severe extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis, including pericarditis, pleuritis, interstitial lung disease, Felty's syndrome, scleritis, and vasculitis, it was concluded that current smoking and high disease activity at onset of rheumatoid arthritis are risk factors for extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis. The study abstract is available online. (Presentation number 680)

According to Terry Martin, About.com Guide to Smoking Cessation, "every smoker knows they face an increased risk for serious health problems from inhaling cigarette smoke. All smokers harbor the secret hope that they will be spared the disease and death that follows nicotine addiction." Terry shares these 5 Key Reasons to Quit Smoking Now.

• What is Rheumatoid Factor?
• How Smoking Affects Arthritis
• Smoking Doubles Risk of Severe Arthritis
• Smoking Puffs Up Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Does Not Increase Lung Cancer Risk

_{Photo by Paola Fontana (iStockphoto)}