Do cold / hot temperatures trigger gout?

Question

I live in a hot climate (Taiwan) but sleep a/c on or a fan pointing directly to me, very close to my feet. Can this trigger an attack?

Bear in mind that I don't drink, smoke and are avoiding all food that they say should be avoided.

Also, should I avoid coffee too?

Answer 1

Cold can definitely trigger a gout attack. I'm careful not to expose limbs to cold when I can. E.g wearing socks in bed.

Gout is caused by uric acid crystals, so although the body maintains it's temperature very well, it can drop in local cold spots. As temperature lowers, the risk of crystals forming increases. Also, blood vessels constrict when cold which can reduce blood flow and again increase the risk of crystals forming.

So, although it is hot, it is a good idea to keep a light covering, or somehow avoid the draft from air con. or fan.

Coffee has been shown to be good for gout, though be careful not to dehydrate as caffeine is diuretic. Note that you would have to drink several cups of strong coffee to have any diuretic effect, so normal coffee drinking should not be a problem.

Answer 2

not that  i know of,pretty sure coffee is bad but keep it to one cup day. red meat and broccoli are a known to inflame gout.