For almost all gout patients, the weather plays a huge role in flare ups, particularly when it’s hot and humid, which can cause dehydration and precipitate a gout attack. Repeated gout attacks can occur when your body is drained of fluids due to perspiration, thus it’s critical to drink enough water when the humidity in the air is very high. Many gout patients have also observed that their gout symptoms become more severe in the fall and during the change of seasons.
Our bodies get acclimated to this consistency after a long duration of time when the temperature remains consistent within a given range of degrees. Then, if the temperature falls sharply overnight, resulting in exceptionally cold mornings, as it does throughout the fall season, it’s extremely likely that your extra uric acid may crystallize in the joints, causing a gout attack.
Keep in mind that gout is a type of arthritis, and persons with arthritis are more susceptible to weather fluctuations. The level of uric acid in your body adjusts to the new season and changes in temperatures until the next change in season or weather. To prevent a gout attack, it’s critical to keep your body at a constant temperature, regardless of outside temperature and pressure.
What Can Gout Patients Do?
The easiest way to avoid a gout attack is to keep your body at a constant temperature, even if the weather is rapidly changing. When the weather turns hot and humid, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated because you lose more water during hot weather. Drink plenty of water to help maintain a steady body temperature. If at all feasible, have air conditioning in your home and automobile; this would greatly assist you.
When the weather turns chilly, you must warm up immediately; if you can relocate to a warmer climate throughout the winter, that is ideal. If not, dress in layers and wear an additional pair of socks. Warm beverages, such as coffee or tea, will help to warm your body and elevate your temperature. If you are undergoing gout treatment, take your gout medications with you when you move to a place with a different climate.
In chilly conditions, stay in motion; this will generate body heat and promote blood circulation because you will be more active. Make sure your home has heating or, at the least, electronic blankets for keeping you warm at night when it’s the coldest. Take the appropriate steps, whether it’s hot or chilly outside, to avoid a painful gout attack.
