Does smoking cause rheumatoid arthritis?
Smoking doesn't directly cause RA, but it is a significant risk factor that increases your chances of developing it. The risk of RA is nearly twice as high for smokers compared to nonsmokers.
Smoking affects your immune system in ways that can trigger RA development. It increases Show Full Answer
Does smoking cause rheumatoid arthritis?
Smoking doesn't directly cause RA, but it is a significant risk factor that increases your chances of developing it. The risk of RA is nearly twice as high for smokers compared to nonsmokers.
Smoking affects your immune system in ways that can trigger RA development. It increases oxidative stress, inflammation, and can lead to genetic changes that raise RA risk. These smoking-induced changes contribute to the abnormal immune response that characterizes rheumatoid arthritis.
The risk is especially pronounced if you:
- Smoke heavily
- Have smoked for 20 years or more
- Have a genetic susceptibility to RA (particularly the HLA-DRB1 variant)
- Were exposed to secondhand smoke during childhood
Even after quitting, your RA risk can remain elevated for years, though quitting does significantly reduce your risk over time - by up to 37 percent for developing seropositive RA.
If you're concerned about your smoking history and RA risk, talking with your rheumatologist about your specific situation can help you understand your personal risk factors.
April 2
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