PATIENT FACT SHEET

Gout is a form of caused by too much uric Foods rich in , high intake, and drugs like acid build-up in your body. Gout often causes sudden immunosuppressants and can raise your risk and swelling in one , often the big or other of gout. in the feet. is a natural substance that’s in • Shellfish, gravies, red meat, soups and organ meats, your blood. Your kidneys filter uric acid, but if levels get such as liver, are high in purines. too high or the kidneys can’t remove enough of it, urate • Sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are also crystals can form and settle into a joint. This clump of CONDITION linked to gout. crystals causes pain, swelling, and redness. Gout affects DESCRIPTION men more often than women. • Diet, , and regular exercise help manage gout and reduce flare risk. • Gout usually strikes the or feet, but can occur in other joints

Gout’s main signs are sudden, intense pain and Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history and swelling in one or two joints. At first, gout attacks may lifestyle, and laboratory tests. start at night. Severe attacks are typically followed by • Blood tests can measure uric acid, although high periods of no symptoms. In addition to being located in levels don’t always mean gout. the joints, crystals can form tophi, or swollen growths, • Some people with gout may have low uric acid levels under the , often located over a joint or on the outer at times, even during flares. ear. Urate crystals and tophi can damage the joints over time. A rheumatologist can diagnose gout and make sure • A needle can be used to withdraw fluid from the symptoms are not due to some other type of arthritis swollen joint. The fluid obtained can be examined by SIGNS/ or an . the or sent for laboratory analysis. SYMPTOMS • Patients with long-standing gout may need x-rays or other scans to show joint damage.

Gout treatments include drugs to ease , Each person with gout needs a unique treatment plan. lower or break down uric acid in the blood, or help the A rheumatologist can prescribe the right treatment for kidneys flush excess uric acid. can ease a gout gout and manage it over time. flare or help prevent attacks, but has some side effects. • Gout treatment aims for a uric acid level of 6 mg/dL Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease or lower to dissolve or prevent crystals. pain and swelling. pills or shots can ease •  function and uric acid levels may affect a gout flare. (Lopurin, Zyloprim) lowers uric choice of treatment. acid levels in the blood and also blocks its production. • People with severe gout may benefit from a short (Uloric), a newer drug, also blocks uric acid. treatment course of (Kineret), a biologic COMMON (Benemid) and (Zurampic) help the drug, though this is not FDA-approved TREATMENTS kidneys remove uric acid, and (Krystexxa) for the treatment of gout. infusions help break down uric acid. • Low-dose colchicine and NSAIDs may prevent gout flares.

Diet and lifestyle can help manage gout and prevent • People with gout should be safe to eat -rich flares. It’s important to watch your diet and maintain a vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. healthy weight. Gout is often associated with high blood • Low-fat dairy foods may lower uric acid levels and pressure, heart and kidney disease, so your primary care help manage gout. provider or rheumatologist may test for or watch for • Avoid drinks high in sugar or , like signs of these health problems. CARE/ concentrated juices or sodas. • Excess alcohol, especially beer, can trigger gout. MANAGEMENT Cut back on alcohol drinking. TIPS

Updated March 2019 by Marcy Bolster, MD, and reviewed by the American College of © 2019 American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing. This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.

www.ACRPatientInfo.org