The intense pain, tenderness and swelling associated with gout are brought on by the buildup of uric acid in the joints that leads to inflammation. The presence of uric acid is a natural consequence of the breakdown of cells and proteins whose final products are released into the bloodstream.

Under normal circumstances the kidneys will flush the uric acid from the system through urine. In some cases however the level of uric acid in your blood can rise if your kidneys do not dispose quickly enough or your body produces too much of it. The presence of excessive uric acid in the body is referred to as hyperuricemia. It is important to note that not everyone with hyperuricemia will develop gout, in fact, less than 1 in 5 people with high uric acid end up with gout.

You will be more at risk for gout if you:

Have a family history of gout. Studies show that gout runs in families. Chances are that if you have gout there is a 20% chance that someone else in your family also has or will develop the condition.

Are a male and between the ages of 30-60. Men are four times more likely to develop gout than women. This is due to the fact the uric acid levels rise significantly during puberty.

Are a woman who has been through menopause. During menopause women experience is spike in uric acid levels and it is for this reason gout occurs later in women that it does for men.

Are taking certain medications. Medications like thiazide diuretics used to control high blood pressure. Other medications include, aspirin in low doses reduce uric acid excretion, niacin (used to treat cholesterol problems) and pyrazinamide (used in the treatment of tuberculosis).

Are overweight. Excess weight has been linked to increased uric acid content in the body.

Drink too much alcohol. Alcohol increases the uric acid levels in the body by providing a purine rich source, by increasing the uric acid content in the blood and by interfering with the kidney’s ability to dispose of uric acid.

Are eating foods with high levels of purines. If your diet consists of high levels of purines like those found in red meats and seafood you will increase your uric acid content by providing additional sources of purines.

Have any type of kidney disease that impairs the normal functions of your kidneys. Other conditions that can lead to gout include leukemia, lymphoma and psoriasis.

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