Role of smoking in inflammatory bowel disease: implications for therapy

Thomas, Gareth A. O., Rhodes, John, Green, John T. and Richardson, Charles 2000. Role of smoking in inflammatory bowel disease: implications for therapy. Postgraduate Medical Journal 76 (895) , pp. 273-279. 10.1136/pmj.76.895.273

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

The relationship between smoking and inflammatory bowel disease is now firmly established but remains a source of confusion among both patients and doctors. It is negatively associated with ulcerative colitis but positively associated with Crohn's disease. In addition, it has opposite influences on the clinical course of the two conditions with benefit in ulcerative colitis but a detrimental effect in Crohn's disease. These differences have been the subject of much interest and scrutiny with the hope that they may offer some insight into the pathogenesis of the two conditions and possibly lead to alternative therapeutic options. Nicotine is probably the principal active ingredient in smoking responsible for the association; trials have shown it to be of some benefit in ulcerative colitis, but further research is required to establish its therapeutic role, and the relevant mechanisms responsible for its action. In this article, we review the role of smoking in inflammatory bowel disease and its implication for therapy.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
ISSN:	0032-5473
Date of Acceptance:	6 September 1999
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2026 13:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188909

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item