Causes
Uric acid comes from the break down of purine from food or human cells. Sometimes the body makes too much uric acid. It may also have problems passing uric acid out of the body through the kidneys. Uric acid crystals form when uric acid levels get too high. This leads to gout.
Risk Factors
Gout is more common in men and older adults. But it can happen in men and women at any age.
Other risk factors are:
-
Certain medications, such as:
- Low-dose aspirin
- Diuretics
- Cyclosporin, an antirejection drug
- Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
- Kidney disease
- Obesity , sudden weight gain, or rapid weight loss
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Congestive heart failure
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Anemia
- Psoriasis
- Sickle cell anemia
- Certain types of cancer
- Exposure to lead
Certain foods and drinks may also raise your chances of gout.
- Foods high in purines, such as red meat and seafood
- High-fructose drinks, such as sugar-sweetened sodas and orange juice
- Excess alcohol
Symptoms
Acute Gout
Here are some symptoms:
- Sudden pain in a joint, usually starting in the big toe
- Joints that are red, hot, swollen, and tender
Recurrent Gout
Most people with gout have more than one attack. This attack may be on many joints. Chalky deposits of uric acid called tophi can form. They often form in the elbows and earlobes, but may form in any part of the body.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Fluid from the affected joint will be taken. This fluid will be tested for uric acid crystals.
Your blood and urine may be tested.
Pictures may be taken of your body. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the gout is acute or recurrent.
Acute Gout
In general, the sooner you get medical help for an acute attack, the better. Treatment depends on:
- The number of joints with gout
- Previous responses to treatment
- Your health
Putting an ice pack on the joint may ease the pain. Keeping the weight of clothes or bed covers off the joint can also help.
Medications may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids—may be given by mouth or as an injection into the joint
- Colchicine
Recurrent Gout
If you get gout more than once, you may be advised to treat it with:
- A low purine diet
- Alcohol avoidance
- Gradual weight loss in those who are overweight
- Stopping or changing medicines that may be causing it
- Drinking more fluids
If you have recurrent gout, or you have kidney stones, tophi, or reduced kidney function, you may be given medicine to:
- Lower the uric acid your body makes
- Raise the amount of uric acid expelled by the kidneys
- Convert uric acid into a byproduct
Prevention
To lower your chance of getting gout:
- Eat a low-purine diet.
- Lose weight slowly over time.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
- Review Date: 05/2018 -
- Update Date: 01/11/2018 -