Smoking increases risk of arthritis

By Staff Writer

Individuals who do not seek substance abuse help for their smoking addiction may be at greater risk of developing a severe case of arthritis, according to a new study published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Smoking has long been connected to a range of health problems. However, little was known about the effect that nicotine has on bones and joints.

For the study, a team of researchers examined the medical history of more than 2,000 participants. They found that individuals who smoked 20 or more cigarettes for 20 years or longer were 2.5 times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, the most severe form the of the condition.

From the numbers, researchers estimated that smoking accounts for 35 percent of worldwide cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking also increased the risk dramatically for individuals who had common genetic susceptibility to the condition.

The researchers said that many genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of arthritis. However, smoking may be the most controllable of these factors. Individuals who are having trouble quitting may benefit from seeking substance abuse help.