What Causes Attacks?
Although a gout flare may occur for no apparent reason, there are a few known causes, or triggers. These include:
- Stress or stressful events
- Joint injury
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating too much of certain foods
- Infection or another illness
- Surgery
- Crash diets
- Rapid lowering of uric acid levels with uric acid–lowering medicines
- Certain medicines known to raise serum uric acid levels
- Some cancer treatments
It may be helpful for you to keep a diary when you have a flare in order to track any related factors that may have triggered your symptoms. You can discuss these factors later with your healthcare provider. Use the diary provided on this site as a starting point for discussions with your healthcare provider.
Use a diary to track your potential triggers and symptoms.