What Triggers a Gout Attack?

Gout flares occur when excess uric acid forms crystals, causing inflammation in your joints that leads to swelling and pain. It is hard to say exactly what triggers an attack. They sometimes occur for no apparent reason. . .other times, something may seem to trigger the attack. Gout attacks may be triggered by alcohol, certain medicines, another illness, stressful events, or other factors.

Other known gout triggers include:

• Joint injury
• Eating too much of certain foods
• Infection
• Surgery
• Crash diets
• Rapid lowering of uric acid levels with uric acid-lowering medicines

Talk to your healthcare professional about fighting for fewer flares over the long term by reducing the uric acid that causes them. With a better treatment plan, it may be a whole different fight. Join the fight for fewer flares>>

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