Unusual Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes - What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Despite years of research, scientists still aren't sure about rheumatoid arthritis causes.
RA is an auto-immune disease in which the body turns on itself and attacks its own tissue, causing injury to the joints and sometimes the organs.
It occurs mostly in women over 35, but it has been known to afflict both men and women of every age, from toddlers to the elderly.
It seemingly occurs out of nowhere, but researchers are starting to find common links and contributing factors.
Ultimately, RA seems to be caused by a combination of factors that differ from person to person.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis? Genetics One of the rheumatoid arthritis causes is our genes.
We still don't know exactly what role genetics play, but we do know that our genes determine who gets the disease and its severity.
Depending on the circumstances, some people carrying the genes may never develop RA, while others will.
Scientists believe there is more than one gene at play here.
When combined with environmental factors, the disease may or may not occur in those carrying the genetic markers.
Hormones Hormones are determined to be one of arthritis causes.
RA occurs mostly in women.
Pregnancy seems to temporarily alleviate the symptoms of RA, while breastfeeding and contraceptive use, such as the birth control pill, can aggravate it.
Pregnancy seems to alter immune system molecules, which explains changes in the severity of the disease during that time.
Environmental Factors Those who carry genes that make them susceptible to RA may find their "trigger" in various environmental factors.
Many scientists believe that one of the many causes of RA is a bacterial or viral infection.
Other possible rheumatoid arthritis causes include smoking tobacco for many years and a consuming diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.
RA is an auto-immune disease in which the body turns on itself and attacks its own tissue, causing injury to the joints and sometimes the organs.
It occurs mostly in women over 35, but it has been known to afflict both men and women of every age, from toddlers to the elderly.
It seemingly occurs out of nowhere, but researchers are starting to find common links and contributing factors.
Ultimately, RA seems to be caused by a combination of factors that differ from person to person.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis? Genetics One of the rheumatoid arthritis causes is our genes.
We still don't know exactly what role genetics play, but we do know that our genes determine who gets the disease and its severity.
Depending on the circumstances, some people carrying the genes may never develop RA, while others will.
Scientists believe there is more than one gene at play here.
When combined with environmental factors, the disease may or may not occur in those carrying the genetic markers.
Hormones Hormones are determined to be one of arthritis causes.
RA occurs mostly in women.
Pregnancy seems to temporarily alleviate the symptoms of RA, while breastfeeding and contraceptive use, such as the birth control pill, can aggravate it.
Pregnancy seems to alter immune system molecules, which explains changes in the severity of the disease during that time.
Environmental Factors Those who carry genes that make them susceptible to RA may find their "trigger" in various environmental factors.
Many scientists believe that one of the many causes of RA is a bacterial or viral infection.
Other possible rheumatoid arthritis causes include smoking tobacco for many years and a consuming diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.