What triggers gout?

From the Guidelines

Gout is triggered by the accumulation of excess urate crystals in joint fluid, cartilage, bones, tendons, bursas, and other sites, which is caused by hyperuricemia.

Risk Factors for Gout

The following are established risk factors for gout:

• Overweight or obesity
• Hypertension
• Alcohol intake, particularly beer and spirits
• Diuretic use
• Diet rich in meat, seafood, and high-fructose food or drinks
• Poor kidney function These risk factors contribute to the development of hyperuricemia, which is the primary cause of gout 1.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and exercise, may help reduce the risk of gout attacks, although the level of evidence to support the effect of lifestyle modification alone on serum urate levels is low 1.

Dietary Recommendations

Dietary recommendations for gout include reducing intake of purine-rich foods, such as meat and seafood, and avoiding alcohol and high-fructose foods 1.

Genetic Factors

Genetic polymorphisms of renal transporters of urate also play a role in the development of primary gout 1. Overall, managing gout requires a comprehensive approach that includes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies, as well as lifestyle modifications and dietary changes 1.

From the Research

Triggers of Gout

Gout is triggered by various factors, including:

• Environmental factors such as increased purine consumption from meat, alcohol, and high fructose corn syrup, as well as medications like cyclosporine, low-dose aspirin, or diuretics 2
• Dietary factors, including a diet rich in meat and seafood, and a diet heavy in fructose-rich food and beverages 3
• Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol intake, dehydration, injury or excess activity, and excessively warm or cold weather 4
• Physiologic stress and environmental exposures, including lead exposure and particulate matter exposure 2
• Medications, including diuretics, cyclosporine, and low-dose aspirin 2, 3

Risk Factors for Gout

The established risk factors for gout include:

• Hyperuricemia, which has the largest role in the development of gout 5
• Chronic renal disease 5
• Genetic factors 5
• Alcohol consumption 5, 3
• Dietary factors, including a diet rich in meat and seafood, and a diet heavy in fructose-rich food and beverages 5, 3
• Diuretic use 5, 3
• Hypertension 5, 3
• Obesity 5, 3
• Metabolic syndrome 5

Demographic Factors

Gout is more prevalent in:

• Developed countries than in developing countries 5
• Males than in females 5, 3
• Certain ethnic groups, including Taiwanese, Pacific Islander, and New Zealand Maori 3