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Gout, an extremely painful form of arthritis, causes swelling, redness and inflammation of the joints. A build up of uric acid in the body causes gout which frequently attacks the big toe but can occur in the hands, knees, wrists and feet. Gout is difficult to diagnosis since its' symptoms mimic other forms of arthritis. Knowing your risk factors for gout will assist in diagnosing and managing this painful disease.

Men between the ages of 40-50, with a family history of gout, are at the most risk of developing this disease. Over twenty percent of all gout sufferers have a family member who suffers from gout. Tell your doctor if gout is present in your family's medical history.

A diet of purine rich foods increases your risk of developing gout. Purines occur naturally in the bodies' tissues and are found in many of the foods we eat such as salmon, liver, sardines and dried beans and peas. The body breaks down purines into uric acid which is excreted by the kidneys. Gout occurs when excess uric acid in the body forms crystals that accumulate in and around the joints. These uric acid crystals cause the painful arthritic swelling and redness of gout. Eating a diet of purine rich food increases your bodies' levels of uric acid and increases the risk uric acid crystals will form causing a gout attack.

Excess alcohol consumption also increases your risk of gout. Excess alcohol consumption interferes with the bodies' ability to eliminate uric acid. Elevated levels of uric acid, known as hyperuricemia, increase the risk uric acid crystals will form in and around your joints. Decrease your alcohol consumption to decrease your risk of gout.

Obesity is also a gout risk factor. Lose weight to decrease gout risk but do so in a sensible manner. Starvation diets, fasting and strenuous exercise all affect the bodies' ability to eliminate uric acid. Consult with a doctor before beginning a weight loss regime if you have experienced gout symptoms or are at high risk for developing gout.

Women are also at risk for gout but normally not until after menopause. By age eighty, more women than men suffer from gout. The same risk factors that affect men; obesity, family history, purine rich diet and excess alcohol consumption, apply to post menopausal women.

Certain drugs and medical conditions increase your risk of gout. Diuretics, aspirin, aspirin based drugs, cyclosporine, and some cancer drugs are among those that increase the risk of gout. Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, psoriasis and kidney disease all increase the likelihood of developing gout. Discuss the possibility of gout with your doctor if you have these illnesses and you have a family history of gout or experience gout symptoms.

Gout can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. Explore your risk factors for gout and discuss the disease with your doctor.

Source: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/to pics/gout/gout.htm#foods

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