What Causes Gout – Elevated Levels of Uric Acid
Too much uric acid in the blood is what causes gout pain for some people. This acid is a chemical called urate. It is a harmless substance that is made in the body. Most urate is passed out of the body in urine.
People who are afflicted with gout have an excessive accumulation of uric acid. Uric acid can build up when the kidneys don’t excrete enough of the urates. This condition is called hyperuricemia. People with this condition are known as “under-excreters” of uric acid. Usually, their kidneys function normally except for this one area.
When uric acid levels become too high, tiny sharp crystals may form in the joint. Usually the crystals collect in a joint of the big toe. These needle-like crystals cause the pain, inflammation and swelling in the joint. An attack can usually be eased by anti-inflammatory painkillers such as naproxen sodium or acetaminophen.
Usually, having too much uric acid build-up is not harmful. Not all people who have hyperuricemia develop gout. In rare instances, some people with normal levels of uric acid will have a gout attack. Typically, one does have a greater chance of getting gout if one has high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Eating foods that are high in purines is what causes gout for some other individuals. Some medications may cause the rise of uric acid in the blood. Diuretics, aspirin (not low dose), or chemotherapy drugs is what causes gout for people taking these kinds of medications. Stress or other illnesses can cause uric acid levels to rise which may trigger a gout pain attack.
More men than women experience gout attacks. A genetic factor is what causes gout for other individuals, because they had close relatives that experienced gout and that made them more likely to develop it. Being overweight, hypertensive or having hypothyroidism can be what causes gout for many other people.
What Causes Gout – Excessive Alcohol Intake
Being overweight and drinking alcohol excessively is what causes gout for some people. Drinking a lot of soft drinks or other sugar drinks may be factors for what causes gout for some. Changing some lifestyle habits may help lessen the risk of having painful gout attacks. Losing excess weight and eating a healthy low-fat diet are factors that can help lessen gout attacks. Limiting or stopping alcohol consumption is advised. Eliminating soft drinks sweetened with sugar is another dietary change to make. Please consult with your physician if you think you have gout.
Well, now you know what causes gout for most sufferers, as well as, some of the things a person can do to alleviate or even prevent gout pain.