Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting about 1 per cent of India’s adult population, is emerging as a growing health concern. According to leading rheumatologists at the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRACON 2025), held from October 9 to 12 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, air pollution in the capital may be silently triggering RA, one of the most debilitating autoimmune diseases worldwide.
HOW AIR POLLUTION TRIGGERS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joints and is often linked to genetics and lifestyle. Now, experts warn that air pollution could be silently fuelling inflammation, increasing the risk of RA in cities like Delhi–NCR. But exactly what does it do to the body?
Dr. Abhishek Vaish, Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement, and Sports Injury Specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital and Healing Touch Clinic in Okhla, explains, “Air pollution contains fine particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM5, which carry oxidative agents such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur. These agents can alter the immune system and aggravate inflammatory markers in the body.”
He adds, “Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease directly linked to genetic predispositions. When these pollutants enter the body, they stimulate inflammation, increasing the risk of RA in susceptible individuals.”
Inflammation in the body can result from various factors, which can be genetics, viral infections, low immunity, gene mutations, or environmental pollutants. “When inflammation aggregates, it can trigger mutations, which further intensify autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis,” Dr. Vaish notes.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Individuals with a family or first relative history of Rheumatoid Arthritis are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms can worsen during sudden temperature or weather change, making people staying in highly polluted cities like Delhi-NCR more susceptible.
TIPS TO STAY SAFE
Dr. Vaish advises several ways to reduce exposure and lower inflammation:
- Stay indoors during high-pollution days and use an N95 mask when stepping outside to keep oxidative agents and particulate matter away from your respiratory system.
- Avoid smoking and maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with adequate protein, fibre, and carbohydrates to strengthen the immune system.
- Increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet through foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, to help combat oxidative stress.
- Avoid junk food and focus on nutrient-rich meals to support overall immunity.
The genetic factors can not be changed, but lifestyle adjustments can reduce the risk of autoimmune disease. “Reducing inflammation and protecting yourself from environmental pollutants can go a long way in preventing RA or managing its progression,” Dr. Vaish emphasises.
