What causes Rheumatoid Arthritis and who is at risk?
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease; that is, a disease where the body’s immune system, which normally fights off foreign substances such as viruses, confuses healthy tissue for foreign substances. The result of this is that the body attacks itself. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age but it is usually seen in people aged between 25 and 55. Women are affected more often than men. The course and the severity of the illness can vary considerably. Infection, genes, and hormones may all contribute to the development of the disease.
