Arthritis Risk Lowers with Hay Fever

Hay fever sufferers can take heart from new research indicating they have a low risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Writing in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, scientists at Holland's University Hospital in Utrecht also say those who do suffer from both disorders usually have less severe arthritis symptoms.

It comes down to how the body's immune cells, dealing with hay fever, work to control the chronic inflammation common in arthritic conditions. One apparently counterbalances the other, researchers say.

More than 700 adults -- less than half with rheumatoid arthritis -- were studied. Those without arthritis symptoms were significantly more susceptible to developing the symptoms of hay fever. Researchers say the reaction of the body's T1 and T2 immune cells to the symptoms of each disorder seem to be at work. More T2 cells triggering allergies seem to reduce the T1 cell action responsible for arthritis.