What triggers a gout attack?
What triggers a gout attack?
Foods and drinks that often trigger gout attacks include organ meats, game meats, some types of fish, fruit juice, sugary sodas and alcohol. On the other hand, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy products and low-fat dairy products may help prevent gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels.
What foods trigger a gout attack?
Foods that commonly trigger gout attacks include organ meats, red meats, seafood, alcohol and beer. They contain a moderate-to-high amount of purines ( 11 , 12 ). However, there is one exception to this rule. Research shows that high-purine vegetables do not trigger gout attacks (13).
How long does gout attack last?
An acute gout attack will generally reach its peak 12-24 hours after onset, and then will slowly begin to resolve even without treatment. Full recovery from a gout attack (without treatment) takes approximately 7-14 days.
How do you stop a gout flare-up?
5 steps you can take to prevent a gout flare-up
- Adjust your diet.
- Swap soda for water (coffee and tea are okay in moderation)
- Get moving.
- Get tested for sleep apnea.
- Take your gout medication regularly.
Will a gout attack go away on its own?
Although an acute gout attack will go away on its own even if you don’t treat it, gout that’s left untreated can eventually lead to more severe pain and joint damage.
Even an older injury that has resulted in osteoarthritis can be a trigger for gout attacks. There may also be a correlation between medications that are often taken for injury or arthritis and a gout attack, as aspirin, narcotics and diuretics can can cause a rise in uric acid levels in the blood and result in a gout attack.
What precipitates an attack of gout?
Alcohol affects the body’s metabolism of uric acid and can cause it to build up (hyperuricemia). If levels of uric acid build up in your system it can precipitate a gout attack in your joints.
What to do during a gout attack?
During a gout attack, you should also stay well-hydrated, ice down the joint that’s in pain and take over-the-counter pain relief medication if necessary. Your doctor can prescribe drugs that help your body rid itself of uric acid .
