What triggers gout flares?
Gout flares can be triggered by anything that abruptly raises or lowers blood levels of uric acid. These “triggers” are not the cause of a person having gout, but may be the reason why that person might have more frequent flares. Not all gout sufferers can identify specific triggers for their gout flare-ups. Some of the most commonly reported causes of gout flare include:
- Starting or Stopping Uric-Acid Lowering Medications – Although treating gout with uric acid-lowering medications is important for many gout sufferers—and is often the best long-term solution for controlling gout—starting a new medication can actually trigger flares. This is common when beginning allopurinol for gout or other urate-lowering therapies, and doctors often prescribe colchicine alongside it to reduce pain and swelling. If gout symptoms seem to be developing after starting medication, call the medical professional who prescribed the medication before stopping treatment.
- Purine-Rich Foods – Eating large amounts of foods high in purines—including red meat, organ meat and shellfish—can trigger flares.
- Surgery, Trauma or Sudden Illness – Those who are in bed, or stationary for a long period of time, are at higher risk for gout flares.
- Crash Diets – This especially includes high-protein fad diets. Always consult a doctor before making any sudden dietary changes.
- Alcohol – This includes excessive intake of alcohol—especially beer or grain liquors—or binge drinking.
- Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy rapidly destroys cancer cells, which release purines as cells break down. Your body metabolizes these purines into excess uric acid. Uric acid levels above 6.0 mg/dL can trigger a gout flare.
- Activity of other diseases – Poor control of any of the comorbidities of gout, such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) can worsen the control of gout and result in more flares.
Triggers of Gout flare-ups can differ from one person to another.
Once a person identifies his or her specific triggers, gout can be easier to manage.
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