- Age: RA can start at any age, but it’s more common in older people. Kids and teens might get a related condition called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop RA than men—about two to three times more often.
- Family history and genetics: If someone in your family has RA, you might be more likely to get it too.
- Smoking: Long-term smoking increases the risk of RA and can make it worse.
- Obesity: Being overweight may increase your risk and affect how well treatments work.
- Gum disease: Having gum problems might be linked to developing RA.
- Lung diseases: Certain lung conditions may also be associated with RA.