Delhi’s toxic air is doing more harm than damaging your lungs. During the 40th annual conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRACON 2025) held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, leading rheumatologists warned that constant exposure to air pollution is now being seen as a major factor behind rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes painful inflammation and stiffness in the joints. But what exactly is rheumatoid arthritis, and what are the warning signs you should watch out for?Experts Warn That Delhi Pollution Can Lead To Rheumatoid ArthritisWhile rheumatoid arthritis has traditionally been linked to genetics and immune system irregularities, scientists are increasingly associating it with environmental factors such as polluted air. Nearly 1% of India’s adult population already lives with RA, but experts caution that cities with severe air pollution, like Delhi-NCR, could witness a sharp increase in new cases.Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi, explained, “When pollution levels spike, even patients who were previously stable start experiencing flare-ups. We’re now diagnosing more RA cases among people with no family history of autoimmune diseases, especially those living in highly polluted regions.” She added that most patients are between the ages of 20 and 50, stressing, “This is a public health crisis that demands urgent action.”Supporting this, Dr. Pulin Gupta, Professor and Rheumatologist at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said, “Delhi, which ranks among the world’s ten most polluted cities, is fast becoming a hotspot for autoimmune disorders. Studies from Europe, China, and India have found that exposure to PM2.5, the fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs is not only linked to respiratory and heart diseases but may also contribute to autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis.”What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects multiple joints, often in the hands and feet. In this disorder, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, including the joints, and in severe cases, it can damage internal organs as well. The inflammation primarily targets the joint lining, leading to swelling, pain, and over time, bone erosion and deformity.Although there is no permanent cure for RA, timely treatment can significantly slow its progression. A combination of medication—especially disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics—along with physiotherapy, helps manage symptoms and maintain joint function in most cases.Early Warning Signs Of Rheumatoid ArthritisThe main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, but some early warning signs may appear even before these. While some signs are general, affecting overall well-being, others are specific to the joints. Spotting these early clues can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.1. Fatigue Extreme tiredness and low energy are often the earliest signs of RA. Many people also report a drop in mood or feelings of depression. 2. Occasional FeverLow-grade fever can accompany fatigue in the early stages of RA. The body’s inflammatory response may make a person feel feverish and unwell, even before joint pain begins.3. Weight LossUnexplained weight loss is another possible early sign. Chronic inflammation can speed up metabolism, while fatigue and loss of appetite caused by feeling unwell may also contribute to weight loss.4. StiffnessMorning stiffness, when the body feels stiff after periods of rest is one of the most common early symptoms. It usually starts in smaller joints, such as those in the fingers, and can last for several days.5. Joint TendernessTenderness in the hands and feet often marks the onset of RA. In the hands, pain can occur when pressing the middle or base joints of the fingers. In the feet, soreness at the base of the toes can cause people to adjust how they walk to reduce discomfort.6. Joint PainPain in the fingers, wrists, or feet is another defining feature. Inflammation thickens the joint lining and increases fluid buildup, putting pressure on surrounding nerves and causing pain.7. Joint SwellingSubtle swelling in the hands and feet may be an early indication of RA. As the disease advances, swelling becomes more noticeable, often accompanied by stiffness and pain.Interestingly, this connection between pollution and autoimmune disorders is backed by new scientific evidence. A recent study published in the European Medical Journal (2025) provided strong genetic proof linking air pollution to autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Using a research method known as two-sample Mendelian randomisation, scientists found that exposure to pollutants directly affects immune function. Their findings suggest that environmental pollution is playing a growing role in the global rise of autoimmune diseases.
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