Unusual Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes - What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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