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We know about the dangers of smoking and the
diseases it causes such as different types of cancer and the various
lung and heart diseases. But, recent research has suggested a link
between smoking and arthritis. In fact most of the arthritis are linked
with smoking. These arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis,
and gouty arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an
autoimmune disease. It causes swelling and inflammation of the joints of
the body, the tissues surrounding the joints and the overall body organ.
It is almost three times more common in women than in men. In US alone,
rheumatoid arthritis alone affects two million people.
Many of
the health problems caused by tobacco are well known. But, recent
reports have identified a link between smoking and osteoporosis and bone
structures. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones weaken and are
more likely to fracture on the slightest instance. Fractures from
osteoporosis can result in pain, disability and sometimes death. Women
are more likely to suffer from it than men. Apart from smoking,
osteoporosis can also be caused by having a thin and small body frame,
history of the disease in the family, not getting enough calcium, or
drinking too much alcohol, and due to using certain drugs for a long
time.
Cigarette smoking as a cause of osteoporosis was identified
almost 20 years back. Smoking leads to decreased bone density. In
addition, smoking increases the risk of having a fracture.
The effects of smoking on bones are as follows:
1) As the smoker
smokes up to an old age, he is more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.
2) In older women and men who smoke, significant bone loss has been found.
3) A smoker needs more time to heal than a normal person.
4) Secondhand
smoke can also be dangerous in the sense that a youth exposed to
secondhand smoke is more likely to have less bone mass.
5) Kicking the habit reduces the risk of low bone mass and fractures.
Smoking has also been implicated as a possible cause of
rheumatoid arthritis. The best thing a smoker can do is quit smoking.
This is the best way to protect your bones and keep away from arthritis.
There are certain other ways such as having a balanced diet rich in
calcium and vitamin D, training for your bones and avoiding excessive
intake of alcohols which can help you to avoid arthritis.
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