Stockholm, Peeling the dangers of smoking to health seemed never-ending. Recently it was revealed that 1 in 3 cases of severe rheumatoid arthritis is the impact of smoking habits over the years.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammation of the joints characterized by pain and swelling in that section. Conditions associated with this immune system attack more women than men and frequently occurs at the age of 40-60 years.

Genetically, some people have risk factors for RA to have a very bad condition.These factors are the type of antibody called anticitrullinated formation of protein / peptide antibodies (ACPA) in people who have certain genes.

A study by experts from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm reveal, the formation of ACPA could be increased if a person has a habit of smoking. Increased risk compared to 35 percent who had the same risk factors but not smoking.

That means 35 percent or roughly 1 in 3 cases of severe RA is triggered by the ACPA occur due to smoking habits. In that study, participants on average have a smoking habit of 20 cigarettes a day for more than 20 years.

“Not much we can do to prevent the RA, which is triggered by genetic factors, but other factors we can change. Quitting smoking is one of them,” says Jane Tadman of the Arthritis Research in England, Tuesday (14/12 /2010).

Results were also said the increased risk would be lost once a person stops smoking. No need for years, their effects can be felt sidah shortly after successfully avoiding cigarette smoke.

The study published today in an online journal in Britain, Annals of the rheumatic Diseases.