What is gout due to? Causes and contributing factors

Urate is produced when the body breaks down purines, substances found naturally in cells and in some foods and drinks. The kidneys normally remove urate in urine. Gout can develop when the body makes more urate than it clears, or when clearance is reduced. Family history, kidney disease, some medicines, alcohol, dehydration, and certain eating patterns can contribute. Body weight and metabolic health may also influence urate levels. These factors vary between people, and a flare is not proof that one meal or habit caused it.

Learn more about [Gout](/conditions/gout/). [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/) can affect urate removal, while [Obesity](/conditions/obesity/) may be part of the wider health picture.

Keep a record of flare timing, affected joints, recent illness, alcohol, dietary changes, and medicines. Drink normally unless you have been given fluid restrictions. Do not stop prescribed medicines or begin supplements without checking first. A clinician may review your medical history, examine the joint, measure urate, and consider other tests. If gout is confirmed, treatment may address the immediate flare and lower future crystal build-up.

Arrange prompt care for a first suspected flare, a hot swollen joint, or symptoms that do not improve. Seek urgent help when fever, chills, spreading redness, a wound, or severe worsening pain raises concern for infection. Get emergency care for faintness, confusion, severe weakness, or rapidly deteriorating symptoms.

Ask what may be raising your urate, whether kidney function and medicines need review, and whether long-term urate-lowering treatment is appropriate. Ask which lifestyle changes are realistic for you and what symptoms should prompt urgent review. You can also compare related symptoms such as [Knee Pain](/symptoms/knee-pain/) or [Ankle Swelling](/symptoms/ankle-swelling/).