Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints but can also damage a variety of body systems including skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. While RA typically starts between the ages of 25 and 45, it can also present in older individuals.
The signs and symptoms of RA usually begin around the age of 30, but full development can take until a person is in their 60s. Cigarette smoking has been identified as a risk factor, increasing the likelihood of developing RA by as much as 2.4%. Interestingly, most people experience symptoms of RA between ages 30 and 60, with men less likely to be diagnosed before age 45. The median age of onset for RA is 58, and it can be categorized into young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA) and later-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).
Despite being more common in middle age, young adults can also develop RA. It is estimated that as many as 8 in 100,000 people aged 18 to 34 are diagnosed with RA. This indicates that while rare, rheumatoid arthritis in young adults is a significant concern and poses various challenges.
For more detailed information, explore these resources:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Signs & Symptoms
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Age of Onset
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Causes
Rheumatoid Arthritis Age of Onset
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis at 35
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Young Adults
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Young Adults
