For people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), attacks can sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. But could the air around you play a role?
Study published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases It indicates that exposure to fine particulate air pollution may lead to fires.
people with Rheumatoid arthritis They were exposed to higher levels of fine particulate air pollution — known as PM2.5 — and had more active disease and a greater risk of painful attacks.
Air pollution may trigger a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis
Led team Sung Cheol Jung from Seoul National University School of Medicine in South Korea, followed more than 1,000 patients over four years, comparing air pollution levels with disease activity recorded during more than 12,000 outpatient visits.
Of the six major air pollutants, fine particulate matter showed the strongest link to worsening symptoms.
The increased risk was particularly noticeable after more than two weeks of high exposure.
Why this matters to black communities
Air pollution is not evenly distributed among communities. Black Americans are more likely to live in neighborhoods close to major roads, industrial facilities, and other sources of pollution, which may contribute to increased exposure to harmful air pollutants.
For Black patients with rheumatoid arthritis, this can add another layer to managing an already difficult condition.
Where you live, work, and spend time can affect the air you breathe. Although you can’t always control those conditions, knowing when air quality is poor can help you take steps to reduce your exposure.
Related to: 4 ways air pollution affects your health, and what to do about it
How can air pollution affect rheumatoid arthritis?
These small molecules can travel from the lungs into the bloodstream, where they may trigger harmful molecules that can lead to cellular stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, the researchers said.
They said more studies are needed to determine whether improving air quality can reduce RA activity.
5 ways to protect yourself on days when the air quality is poor
You can’t control everything about the air around you, but there are practical steps you can take when pollution levels are high.
1. Check the air quality before heading outside
Make checking your local air quality part of your daily routine, especially if you already know that pollution or other environmental triggers affect your breathing or arthritis symptoms.
When air quality is poor, consider outdoor exercise or other activities indoors until conditions improve.
2. Limit prolonged exposure outdoors
You don’t necessarily have to stay inside all day when the air quality is less than ideal. However, limiting the amount of time you spend outdoors — especially during periods of high PM2.5 levels — can reduce your exposure.
If you need to be outside, consider limiting your time outdoors and avoiding strenuous activities that make you hyperventilate.
3. Pay attention to your symptoms
Track when your arthritis symptoms worsen and whether they seem to coincide with poor air quality.
A simple diary or phone note can help you record joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, outdoor activities, and local air quality. Sharing this information with your health care provider may help you identify patterns.
4. Keep the indoor air as clean as possible
When outdoor pollution levels are high, close windows and doors when possible. Avoid adding indoor air pollution by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritants.
If you use an air purifier, choose one designed to filter fine particles, and remember to replace or clean the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Do not stop treating rheumatoid arthritis on your own
If you have more frequent or severe attacks, talk with your rheumatologist or other health care provider. Do not stop, skip, or change your rheumatoid arthritis medication without medical direction.
Your provider can help determine if your symptoms are related to rheumatoid arthritis, an environmental trigger, or another health problem.
What researchers recommend
Based on their findings, the study authors recommend that people with rheumatoid arthritis avoid prolonged exposure to poor-quality air, especially when PM2.5 levels are high.
However, researchers stress that more studies are needed to determine whether reducing exposure to air pollution can directly reduce RA activity.
Dr. Jeffrey Sparks Brigham/Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston wrote an editorial accompanying the study.
“This is one of the largest studies using robust methods to link air pollutants to rheumatoid arthritis disease activity,” he wrote.
“Given the high levels of air pollutants, these findings have significant clinical, biological, and public health implications,” the editorial continued. “It also reinforces that inhalants may have broad effects on the risk and development of rheumatoid arthritis and possibly other autoimmune diseases.”
For Black Americans with rheumatoid arthritis, managing your health can involve more than just taking medications and keeping medical appointments. Environmental factors — including the air you breathe — may also be important.
If you notice that joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue seems worse during periods of poor air quality, don’t ignore this pattern. Track your symptoms and talk with your health care provider.
And remember: Your environment can affect your health, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Checking air quality, limiting exposure when pollution levels are high, and staying in touch with your health care team can give you more tools to protect your health and manage rheumatoid arthritis.
