Gout, which is the abnormal accumulation of uric acid crystals in and around joints, causes intense pain, redness and swelling, often waking the sufferer in the middle of the night. Most often associated with the big toe, gout can affect other joints as well, most often the instep, ankle, elbow or wrist. Gout affects around 2.1 million Americans, and affects more men than women, although the incidence in women increases after menopause. A number of factors can increase the risk of developing gout, which tends to recur.
Diseases
Certain diseases make a person prone to developing gout. People who have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, sickle cell anemia, psoriasis or diabetes have a high incidence of gout. The most common cause of gout, a decrease in uric acid excretion through the kidneys, can occur in people with kidney disease. Obesity increases the production of uric acid, and therefore increases the chance of developing gout. Blood diseases such as the cancers leukemia and lymphoma, as well as hemolytic anemia, can also increase the risk of gout. High levels of lead in the blood are another risk factor for gout.
Dietary Causes
Eating foods high in purines increase the chance of developing gout. Organ meats such as liver, kidney and sweetbreads, as well as anchovies, asparagus, herring, mushrooms, mussels, scallops and sardines all contain high levels of purines. Eating a diet low in purines decreases uric acid levels in the blood by only a small amount, however, according to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Alcohol also decreases uric acid excretion, and therefore increases the risk of gout, particularly in men who drink more than two drinks a day and women who have more than one drink.
Medications
Diuretics, low-dose aspirin, niacin and anti-rejection drugs taken after organ transplant can all increase the risk of developing gout. Levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease, also increases the chance of gout. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy raise the risk developing gout.
Family History
Around 18 percent of people with gout have a family history of the disease. People with a family history of gout should take special care to control risk factors for the disease such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. These risk factors themselves are often inherited.
