Gout affects nearly 2.1 million Americans. A chronic form of inflammatory arthritis, gout results from deposits of uric acid in fluids and tissue and is typically characterized by acute "flare-ups" which produce hot, swollen, painful joints.
Knowing what triggers gout "flare-ups" can help control this form of arthritis. Common triggers for gout attacks are:
- Taking diuretics (water pills)
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating large portions of meat and seafood
For more information on gout, visit the disease center section of the Arthritis Foundation's website: http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=42