Exposure to vehicular pollution leads to arthritis

Hyderabad: Increase in suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere by 2.5 parts per million is one of the causes for aggravated rheumatoid arthritis, states a study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

Ahead of World Arthritis Day observed on October 12, experts stated that this was one of the factors being considered. The exposure time on road to vehicular pollution, burning of garbage around homes and also pollution from factories close to residential areas were some of the causes leading to an increase in cases.

Dr A.N. Roy, consultant rheumatologist, executive member of Rheumatologist Association, Hyderabad chapter, said, “About 30 per cent of Indians are suffering from arthritis of one form or the other, of whom 20 per cent are suffering from osteoarthritis, followed by rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. There is a strong need to understand why younger patients are having these problems. While lifestyle and sedentary work are the factors, there is also a growing concern about how the environment is affecting our lives.”

The study has shown that patients suffered the most in November and December when the SPM levels increased in the atmosphere. These patients were continuously followed up with and their treatment modalities were studied. The study found that when particulate matter in the air was high, there was more disease activity.

Dr Krishna Subramanyam, senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon, said, “There are multiple factors for the onset of arthritis wherein it can be injury, abnormal metabolism, genetic factors, infections and an overactive immune system. There are 200 different types of arthritis, which are now split into seven parts for treatment purposes. With new factors for early onset like lifestyle emerging, pollution is also becoming a concern depending on the exposure levels of the patient. It will be applicable for a small section that is exposed for longer periods of time.”