Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of RA is unknown. Genetics play some role, since certain people inherit a susceptibility to the disease. There may also be an environmental factor that triggers RA, such as a virus or bacterium.

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Several studies have found that heavy smokers are more likely to develop RA than nonsmokers. Some studies have suggested that drinking coffee might increase the risk of RA and drinking tea might decrease the risk, but a 2003 review of data on more than 80,000 women over a period of nearly 20 years concluded that neither beverage affects RA risk.