Rheumatoid arthritis is becoming more common among women, and it affects men less than a dozen years ago, according to an American study reported by BBC News.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota found that overall rheumatoid arthritis cases increased by 1995% between 2007 and 2,5 after a 40-year decline. However, in the case of men, the number of cases decreased and amounted to 0,5%.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks and damages its own tissues, causing painful inflammation and swelling. Over time, the affected joint may become stiff. The disease usually develops between the ages of 40 and 50, and is three times more common in women. Research shows that the development of rheumatoid arthritis is fostered by smoking and vitamin D deficiency (PAP).