Increased risk of MS from cigarettes

SMOKERS are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis and become disabled, a charity says.

The MS Society has reviewed research into the link between smoking and the incurable condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Quitting the habit could delay the onset of untreatable secondary progressive MS by as much as eight years, one study revealed.

Some 89 per cent of MS sufferers do not realise the risk, a recent poll found, despite official guidance advising healthcare professionals to tell patients as soon as they are diagnosed.

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, from the charity, said: ‘It’s clear smoking can make MS worse and harder for the brain to fight the condition. It’s not just people who have MS who need to be aware of this, though, as people who smoke are more likely to develop MS than people who don’t.’

Smoking can cause further damage to the myelin sheath, a protective layer around the nerves, which is affected in MS patients. This affects vision, mobility and cognitive functions.

There are also links between smoking and brain lesions. The increase in damage could explain why MS patients are less able to fight it or suffer worse symptoms at an earlier stage.

Smoking can also affect how effective treatments are, so people suffer more relapses.

Dr Waqar Rashid, from St George’s Hospital in south London, said: ‘Knowing that continuing to smoke might impact the disease could make a radical difference to some people.’