What are 10 risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?

4. Smoking

Scientists have found links between smoking and an increased risk of developing RA, even among people with low-level, lifelong exposure to smoke. Also, heavy smokers may have more severe RA symptoms, the research suggests.

Smoking can cause oxidative stress and increase the frequency of the body’s inflammatory response. It can also make some prescription RA medications less effective.

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