All living well guides
Lifestyle
Smoking and Rheumatic Disease
Smoking makes most rheumatic diseases more likely, more severe and harder to treat.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, worsens lupus skin disease, speeds spinal fusion in axial spondyloarthritis, triggers Raynaud’s attacks, thins bones and blunts the response to several medicines.
What you can do
Quitting is one of the most effective things you can do for your joints, lungs and heart. Nicotine replacement, prescription medicines and counseling double your chances of success. Vaping is not a safe substitute.
Call your care team if
You want help quitting. Ask your doctor or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
At a glance
Topic
Lifestyle
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.