Dehydration Increases Risk of Recurrent Gout Attacks

Dehydration caused by certain weather factors is associated with an increased risk of a recurrent gout attack in gout sufferers, according to a study presented at the 70th annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. The study abstract is available online. (Presentation number 707)

There were 197 study participants who were recruited because they had a gout attack in the past year. The participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire when they had a gout attack and answer questions about risk factors they experienced two days prior to the gout attack.

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Researchers compared the answers to when the same questions were asked over a two-day control period. The results showed that high temperature and high humidity were associated with an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks. The risk increased two-fold when the maximum daily temperature increased from 0-53 degrees to 87-105 degrees Farenheit. Similarly the risk went up when humidity increased. Barometric pressure and precipitation appeared not to have any effect on the risk of recurrent gout attacks. Researchers concluded that it's important for gout sufferers to drink more fluids when it's hot and humid.

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