The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that approximately 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic and often lifelong disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the body's immune system attacking the lining of the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain, stiffness and loss of function. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone; however, there are several risk factors that increase the possibility of the disease developing.
Age
Rheumatoid arthritis can begin at any age, but according to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, persons between the ages of 40 and 60 years are most susceptible. A form of rheumatoid arthritis known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children under the age of 15. The two diseases are similar, but most children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis outgrow their condition.
Gender
Women are 2 to 3 times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, according to statistics reported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The reason for this preponderance in women is unknown, but hormones may be a factor. Women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often are relieved from their symptoms during pregnancy (known as remission), only to have the symptoms return, sometimes at an increased level, once the baby is born. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation indicates that the onset of rheumatoid arthritis occurs at a higher frequency during the year following childbirth as compared with other years.
Family History
Researchers have not found evidence that rheumatoid arthritis is directly inherited, meaning there is no specific gene linked to rheumatoid arthritis; however, family history is a factor. If you have a family member with rheumatoid arthritis, your risk of developing the disease is increased.
A histocompatability antigen (an antigen found on cell membranes that helps the body identify the cell as self versus foreign), known as HLA-DR4, has been linked as an indicator for the disease, meaning it is a genetic marker. The Arthritis Foundation reports that HLA-DR4 is found in white blood cells, which are the cells responsible for immunity, and that it helps to distinguish between the cells within the body and foreign invaders.
Smoking
Individuals who smoke are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Although the exact relationship is not yet understood, it is known that smoking does impact the immune system. A study published in the May 2006 issue of "Annals of Rheumatic Diseases" reports that those who smoke are more likely to be seropositive for rheumatoid factor, which is an antibody produced by the immune system to help fight off a foreign invader. Although not all persons who are positive for rheumatoid factor have rheumatoid arthritis, 70 to 80 percent do have the disease, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
