Cigarette smoking is linked to so many disease conditions, so much so that each pack comes with the popular warning, “smokers are liable to die young”.

But ironically, some disease conditions have been found to be commoner in non-smokers, this article is solely for education and an entertainment, we don’t intend in anyway to encourage cigarette smoking because we’re well aware of the dangers associated with smoking. But we found this case worthy of analysis.

Ulcerative Colitis, a disease caused by inflammation of the innermost lining (mucosa) of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The inflammation leads to ulcers in the colon and rectum.

Ulcerative Colitis is one disease that occurs more commonly in people who do not smoke, and also in people who had quit smoking, current smokers have a very reduced risk of developing the disease as research has found out, it’s also documented that those who smoke more packs of cigarettes have reduced chances of developing the disease when compared to those who smoke sparingly.

Smoking have also been linked with reduced symptoms in those who have the disease.

Someone with Ulcerative Colitis can have many different symptoms, like stomach pain, diarrhea, blood passed from the anus, urgency to go to the bathroom, weight loss, fatigue and decreased appetite. They can less commonly have fevers, joint pain, certain skin rashes and redness of the eyes. Some people may have just a few of these symptoms while others may experience them all.

While most studies show that smoking may delay or prevent a person from developing Colitis, it is still unclear whether smoking affects the progression or course the disease takes. Some studies show that smokers with Colitis suffer a milder form of the condition. Flare-ups, hospitalisation rates, the need for oral steroids or immunosuppressants, and colectomy rates have all been reported to be lower in people with Colitis who smoke.

Why may smoking have a protective effect against Ulcerative  Colitis?
We don’t really understand why smoking has a protective effect against Colitis. There are many chemicals in cigarettes that could be contributing to this effect. Nicotine is the most widely studied and is likely to be having an impact.

People with Colitis may have a thinner mucus layer in the colon and rectum when compared to healthy people. Nicotine may increase the production of this mucus. Nicotine may also suppress the immune system and prevent inflammation in the colon. Another theory is that nitric oxide, released by nicotine, may reduce muscle activity in the colon and so reduce the need to go the toilet urgently.

We know that the genes a person has inherited can contribute to developing Colitis. Smoking can change how a person’s genes are expressed – providing another potential mechanism for how smoking may influence the development of Colitis.

Remember, cigarette is still dangerous to your health.