Acute gouty arthritis

Dear Ask The Doctor: Can alllergies cause gout flare ups?

Dear Randy:There is no evidence to suggest that “allergies” have a direct effect on acute gouty arthritis. Individual gout flares are often triggered by acute increases or decreases in urate levels. These flares can result from acute alcohol ingestion, acute overindulgence in foods high in purines, rapid weight loss, starvation, trauma, or bleeding. Medications that increase uric acid levels include diuretics and low-dose aspirin, and are best avoided. The current dietary recommendations include eating less food high in purines including: red meat, seafood, beer and hard alcohol (eg, gin, vodka), foods and drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup (found in some non-diet sodas).