In this Article

• What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?
• Who is affected by gout?
• What are gout causes and risk factors?
• What are gout symptoms and signs?
• How is gouty arthritis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for gout?
• Foods to eat and foods to avoid with gout
• Gout medications
• What does the future hold for patients with gout and hyperuricemia?
• Gout and Hyperuricemia At A Glance
• Pictures of Gout - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Gout - Symptoms Experienced
• Gout Glossary
• Gout Index
• Find a local Rheumatologist in your town

What are gout causes and risk factors?

In addition to an inherited abnormality in handling uric acid, other risk factors for developing gout include obesity, excessive weight gain (especially in youth), moderate to heavy alcohol intake, high blood pressure, and abnormal kidney function. Certain drugs, such as thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide [Dyazide]), low-dose aspirin, niacin, cyclosporine, tuberculosis medications (pyrazinamide and ethambutol), and others can also cause elevated uric acid levels in the blood and lead to gout. Furthermore, certain diseases lead to excessive production of uric acid in the body. Examples of these diseases include leukemias, lymphomas, and hemoglobin disorders.

Interestingly, a recent study demonstrated an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in patients with gout.

In patients at risk of developing gout, certain conditions can precipitate acute attacks of gout. These conditions include dehydration, injury to the joint, fever, excessive eating, heavy alcohol intake, and recent surgery. Gout attacks triggered by recent surgery are probably related to changes in the body-fluid balance as patients temporarily discontinue normal oral fluid intake in preparation for and after their operation.

Gout - Symptoms Experienced

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

For gout, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced?

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