Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints, usually as flares that last for a week or two, and then resolve. A gout flare-up occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joint, causing inflammation and intense pain. Urate crystals can form when there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be caused by several factors, including:
-
Diet: Eating a diet rich in red meat, shellfish, and beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) can increase levels of uric acid, which increases the risk of gout.
-
Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, certain diuretics for high blood pressure, and drugs for people who had organ transplants, can trigger gout.
-
Physical trauma: Injuries or surgery can trigger a gout flare-up.
-
Health conditions: Hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic kidney disease, obesity, high levels of lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and diabetes are some health conditions that can increase the risk of gout.
To prevent future gout flare-ups, it is important to figure out the things that trigger the symptoms. Keeping a diary of what you eat and drink can help identify foods and drinks that trigger gout. Making changes to the diet and lifestyle, such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding foods high in purines (like red meat or organ meat), may help prevent future attacks. Taking medication as prescribed can also reduce the risk of future flare-ups of gout and decrease their severity.
