How Your Daily Habits Might Affect Your Axial Spondyloarthritis Treatment

People with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) often use TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) to manage their symptoms. But did you know that lifestyle choices can impact how well these treatments work? A recent study looked at data from 14 European countries to understand this better.

Key Findings

The study found that factors like smoking, physical activity, and body weight can influence how well TNFi treatments work:

• Smoking might reduce the effectiveness of these medications. Smoking is known to worsen inflammation, a major component of axSpA.
• Physical activity plays a crucial role. Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health, leading to better treatment outcomes.
• Body weight also matters. Those who are less active or have a higher body weight might not respond as well to TNFi treatments.

The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

The study emphasized that eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to better treatment results. It's not just about taking medication—it's about making smart daily choices.

Takeaway

If you or someone you know has axSpA, consider how lifestyle factors might be affecting their treatment. Small changes can make a big difference.