Dehydration and gout: what to know

When you are dehydrated, the kidneys make less urine and the body has less fluid available to carry dissolved waste. In someone prone to gout, this can contribute to urate crystal formation or make an existing joint flare feel worse. A sudden hot, swollen, very tender joint may be gout, but other causes, including infection, can look similar. Gout symptoms should not be self-diagnosed solely from how much you have had to drink.

Drink regularly through the day unless a clinician has prescribed a fluid restriction. Replace fluids after sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea, and limit alcohol while you are unwell because it can worsen fluid loss. During a flare, rest the joint, elevate it if comfortable and use only treatments recommended for you. Do not stop prescribed gout prevention medicine without advice; the plan may need adjustment rather than interruption.

Seek urgent assessment for a painful swollen joint with fever, chills, feeling very unwell or a wound nearby, because joint infection requires prompt treatment. Arrange advice for a first suspected attack, repeated flares, severe pain, vomiting, very little urine or pain in the side that could indicate a kidney stone. People with kidney disease or fluid restrictions need personalised drinking advice.

Ask how much fluid suits your kidney and heart health, which flare treatment is safe with your medicines, and whether urate testing or prevention is appropriate.