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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that may increase your risk of Behcet's include:
- Age. Behcet's disease commonly affects men and women in their 20s and 30s, though children and older adults also can develop the condition. When the condition occurs at an earlier age, it tends to be more severe.
- Location. Although the disease occurs worldwide, people from countries in the Middle East and Asia, including Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Japan and China, are more likely to develop Behcet's.
- Sex. While Behcet's disease occurs in both men and women, the disease is usually more severe in men.
- Genes. Having certain genes is associated with a higher risk of developing Behcet's.
- Smoking. Chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage your DNA, which may increase your risk of Behcet's.
References
- Mendes D, et al. Behcet's disease — A contemporary review. Journal of Autoimmunity 2009;32:178.
- Mendoza-Pinto C, et al. Etiopathogenesis of Behcet's disease. Autoimmunity Reviews. 2010;9:241.
- Smith EL. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Behcet's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2010.
- Questions and answers about Behcet's disease. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Behcets_Disease/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 26, 2010.
- Smith EL, et al. Treatment of Behcet's disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2010.
- Calamia KT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 6, 2010.
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