What are the causes of rheumatism?

Rheumatic diseases are not a single disease but a collective term for a group of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and others. Their causes are diverse and include multiple factors such as heredity, environment, and immune system abnormalities. These causes can be summarized as follows:

1. Genetic factors: Rheumatic diseases may be closely related to genetic factors. For example, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever exhibit hereditary tendencies, which may be associated with mutations or abnormal expression of specific genes.

2. Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to damp or cold environments may reduce the body's immunity, making it more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections, which can trigger rheumatic diseases.

3. Endocrine factors: Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels are associated with the occurrence of various rheumatic diseases. For example, estrogen may promote the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Immune system abnormalities: When the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, it may cause inflammation and tissue damage, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and functional impairment.

5. Other factors: Hormonal changes, age, gender, and other factors are also related to the occurrence of certain rheumatic diseases. For example, women are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus than men.

If rheumatic disease is suspected, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delays in treatment.