The Link Between Occupational Textile Dust Exposure and Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Newswire.net — March 15, 2017) Orlando, FL — There are several factors believed to contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. While millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition, only a few know about its triggers.

Researchers investigate the link between occupational textile dust exposure and rheumatoid arthritis.  This painful condition reduces the quality of life of many sufferers. Some even become unable to retain their jobs due to the condition.

According to the research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, occupational exposure to textile dust doubles the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been linked with a heightened chance of genetic susceptibility to the risk of developing ACPA. These antibodies are believed to hasten the progression of the condition.

The researchers also reveal that this is the first time these associations have been established. The findings of the research were based on the 910 Malaysian women diagnosed with the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

In the study, there were also 910 women who did not have the condition. The researchers investigated whether or not the participants have ever worked in the textile industry and if they have been exposed to chemicals and silica dust. These chemicals are considered factors that are linked with the increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

The researchers took blood samples to determine if the participants had ACPA antibodies, which indicate the occurrence of the disease. At the end of the study, it was found that 41 of the women who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis had exposure to textile dust. This was compared to 15 women who did not have the condition.

The researchers suggest that those who had been exposed to textile dust were three times more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as those who did not work in textile companies. It is also important to remember that exposure to textile dust was linked with doubled risk of testing positive for ACPA. It is further revealed that two thirds of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were positive of ACPA.

Today, individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis usually resort to various measures to improve their pain and overall condition. There are those who turn to the use of pharmaceutical drugs to achieve pain relief.

There are also sufferers who use natural alternatives such as glucosamine. This natural alternative is believed to be helpful in improving cartilage health. It is even thought to be effective in repairing cartilage damage.

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