Gout Causes - What are the Main Causes of Gout?

What causes gout? The main cause of this condition can be attributed to a high level of uric acid in the blood. The high level is due to the metabolism (breakdown) of purines that exist in the body, mainly from the foods we eat. Uric acid is the product of that breakdown, that if not sufficiently excreted by the kidneys, causes the uric acid level to rise (hyperuricemia).

If the kidneys are not working properly, 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. There are other factors that can cause gout to develop, and is what we will discuss here.

Other causes of gout:

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: It is well known that men are more susceptible for the development of gout than women.

Age: Although more men than women have gout, there is a higher incidence of gout in women as they progress in age, particularly among women of menopausal age.

Family history: Genetics also play a part in developing gout. If you have a close family member with gout, your risks for getting it are higher.

Diabetes: There is a link between diabetes and gout, due to the complications of circulatory problems associated with diabetes, such as kidney disease. Kidney damage due to poor circulation can prevent the elimination of uric acid from the body, causing increased uric acid levels, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, resulting in a gout attack.

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,


• Aminophylline,


• Niacin


• Anti-TB medications, such as Rifampin

Dieting: Crash diets can cause gout due to the sudden lack of calories, as well as the over production of lactic acid, which can prevent the kidneys from excreting uric acid.

Eating foods high in purines: Most all the foods we eat contain purines. It is recommended that you eat these foods in moderation. Most all foods that contain purines are healthy foods that are good for the body. Therefore, eating these foods in moderation, as well as drinking plenty of water will help to reduce your chances of future gout attacks.

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 can include:

• Lymphoma


• Some cancers


• Psoriasis


• Diabetes


• Hypertension

If you are taking any medications that may cause you to develop gout, speak with your health care provider to voice any concerns you may have.

by Barb Hicks, RN