Gout is a painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints. There are many reasons that lie behind this inflammatory disease. Some of the reasons are related to health conditions and some are associated with lifestyle and diet.
According to the medical science gout is consociated with a condition which is known as `hyperuricemia` in medical science. `Hyperuricemia` occurs when the blood contains raised levels of uric acid sustained over long periods. When uric acid levels are raised, the kidneys are unable to eliminate uric acid efficiently. It has been observed in some cases that the cause of gout is not linked to `hyperuricemia` but to kidney disease. Blood uric acid levels can arise when the kidney is not functioning properly. Even Chronic kidney disease, High blood pressure, Hypothyroidism, Surgery and conditions that cause an abnormal rapid turnover of cells, such as psoriasis, multiple myeloma, hemolytic anemia, or tumors can lead to gout.
As the basic causes of gout is the increased uric acid level in blood; low dose salicylates or aspirin and chemotherapy treatment for cancer can increase uric acid levels and thus can be the major reasons for gout. Another cause lies in the medicines that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, that are used to prevent body from rejecting an organ transplant. Even there are certain types of medications that can prompt gout, such as niacin, thiazide diuretics, cyclosporine, aminophylline, levodopa and anti-tuberculosis medicines. Major illness or certain medical conditions can be the cause of this inflammatory arthritis called gout. These conditions of health include hemoglobin disorders, congestive heart failure, leukemia, preeclampsia, diabetes and lymphoma. Some patients may develop gout due to long term hospitalization and patients who have changes in diet or medicines. The rapid weight loss of the patients can lead to gout. Obesity can also be taken as a major contributory factor for causes of gout.
Apart from the complications that arise from the medical conditions; there are some reasons that are related to food habits and lifestyle. Gender and age are common factors to the risk of developing gout; it is more common in men than in women and more common in adults than in children. Gout can be the result of high intake of foods that are rich in uric acid or purines. The purine-laden food include, liver, beans, spices, rich and creamy sauces such as gravy and ice cream, poultry, sardines, scallops, anchovies and other shell foods, sweet breads, coffee and red meat. Crash diets can disturb uric acid metabolism like restricted diets that curb calorie can catch one`s metabolism off guard and lead to gout. Fasting can cause the production of increased level of lactic acid. This lactic acid gets in the way of the excretion of kidneys of uric acid. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to `hyperuricemia` that is said to be one of the leading factors of gout. Beverages particularly beer and wine can increase uric acid levels in the body. Heavy alcohol intake is a risk factor which often precedes a gout attack. Among the other causes of gout, genes can be taken for consideration. Studies say that an approximate of 18 percent develops gout if his or her family has that medical history.
The causes of gout can be traced from health condition, food habits and most importantly genetics. The new researches in medical science have improved the way to detect the causes of gout even included new treatments with the remainings.
