What causes gout? Gout is the result of elevated uric acid levels in the blood, or hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia leads to urate crystals to form and deposit in the joints of the body, resulting in extreme pain, swelling and inflammation. Uric acid is eliminated via the kidneys.
If the kidneys are damaged, their ability to excrete uric acid is severely hindered, redulting in hyperuricemia. the uric acid builds up forming monosodium urate crystals that deposit in the joints and surrounding soft tissues (tophi). This causes extreme pain, swelling, and inflammation of the affected area.
Other risks of gout include:
Being overweight:
Weighing more than you should puts you at risk for many other conditions, such as heart disease. Gout is more prevalent in those who are overweight and the risk for this disorder gets higher as you gain more weight.
Eating the wrong foods, sedentary lifestyle, and some chronic conditions, such as hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain.
Gender: Gout is more common amongst men.
Age: Gout is more common in men between 40 and 60, while in women it generally occurs after the age of 60.
Genetics: You are at increased risk of suffering gout if there is a family history of it occurring.
Diabetes: This condition can affect the function of the kidneys, which in turn can reduce the ability of the body to remove the uric acid. When the uric acid levels are elevated there is a greater risk of gout developing.
Medications: Certain medications are known to pave the way for gout development. These medications include:
Diuretics (water pills), anti rejection drugs, such as cyclosporin; aspirin, levodopa, minophylline, niacin, and anti-TB medications, such as Rifampin.
Dieting: A crash diet can lead to gout as a result of an over production of lactic acid which hinders the functioning of the kidneys.
Eating foods high in purines: Foods high in purines increase your risk of suffering from gout. Limit the quantities of these foods in your diet and drink plenty of water to help flush out the uric acid before it can cause problems.
Beverages: Some beverages contain high levels of purines, such as beer and wine. Again, moderation is the key.
Excessive exposure to lead has been found to bring on an attack of gout.
Other causes:
Psoriasis, lymphoma, diabetes, some cancers and high blood pressure.
By knowing what your risk factors are you will be in a much better position to reduce them. Make sure your lifestyle is healthy and if you are suffering from diabetes manage your blood sugar levels to limit the possibility of developing gout.
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