Gout Basics: Causes, Symptoms, and Trigger Foods

Click a card to learn more about gout.

What causes gout

Gout is a condition in which sustained high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) lead uric acid to form crystals that build up in joints, triggering sudden inflammation.

Common symptoms

When a gout attack begins, it often causes sudden, severe pain along with swelling, warmth, and redness in a joint — commonly the big toe, but also the ankle or knee. The pain typically intensifies sharply within just a few hours.

Its relationship with high-purine foods

High-purine foods such as organ meats, red meat, oily fish, and beer are known to raise uric acid production in the body and increase the risk of a gout attack.

What triggers gout attacks

Heavy drinking (especially beer), overeating, sudden weight changes, dehydration, and certain medications are known factors that can trigger or worsen a gout attack.

Risk of complications if it becomes chronic

When gout attacks recur without proper management, uric acid crystal deposits called tophi can build up around joints and cause joint damage, and uric acid kidney stones can also affect kidney function.

Diagnosis and management

Gout is diagnosed through a blood test checking uric acid levels combined with joint symptoms, and since treatment during an acute attack differs from long-term management to prevent recurrence, a treatment plan should always be based on a doctor's diagnosis.

What gout is

Gout often causes sudden, intense joint pain that can be quite alarming the first time it happens. This page is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment — if you have joint pain, be sure to see a doctor.

Its link to high cholesterol

People with gout often also have dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids), obesity, and high blood pressure as related metabolic factors, so it is worth looking at overall metabolic health, not just uric acid levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does gout only affect men?

Gout is more common in men, but women can also develop it after menopause as uric acid levels rise.

Is it fine to not worry about it between attacks?

No — neglecting uric acid management even during symptom-free periods can lead to recurrence or the condition becoming chronic, so consistent management is needed.