It's claimed smoking just a few cigarettes a day can more than double a woman's risk of arthritis.

Compared with non-smokers, women who puffed between one and seven cigarettes a day had a 2.31-fold higher chance of developing the disease.

Even 15 years after quitting the habit, the risk is nearly twice as high among former smokers.

Data from over 34,000 women was analysed by researchers in Sweden.

The likelihood of suffering the disease does reduce over time after giving up smoking.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible joints.

It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.