A Cold Beer to Beat the Tropical Night Can Trigger a Gout Attack

Proper Hydration and Dietary Management Are Essential

On hot summer nights, a cold glass of beer can be a small comfort at the end of the day, but it can also be a trigger for severe pain. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, since 2020, patients in their 20s to 40s have accounted for about 48% of all gout cases. The number of patients in this age group has been steadily increasing by more than 5% each year.

Jiwon Hwang, Professor, Department of Rheumatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital. Kyung Hee University Hospital

Gout is an inflammatory disease that occurs when uric acid accumulates in crystal form in peripheral joints, such as the toes, where body temperature is lower. The crystals are recognized as foreign substances by white blood cells, triggering a strong immune response. Inflammatory substances produced in this process stimulate nerves, resulting in a gout attack. This is typically experienced as pain, swelling, and a sensation of heat in joints such as the big toe, ankle, or knee.

Jiwon Hwang, Professor of Rheumatology at Kyung Hee University Hospital, stated, "Gout, which causes acute inflammation of the joints, was once considered a representative disease of middle-aged men. However, in recent years, the incidence among younger age groups has increased noticeably due to modern lifestyle factors such as unbalanced diets and drinking before or after exercise. Special attention is therefore required."

Summer, in particular, is a season when the risk of gout attacks increases. Hot weather leads to more sweating and rapid fluid loss, which can easily raise blood uric acid levels. When beverages high in purines, such as beer, are consumed in this state, the risk of an attack becomes even greater. This is because alcohol inhibits the renal excretion of uric acid, and lactic acid produced in the liver further interferes with uric acid elimination.

Professor Hwang explained, "Even small amounts of alcohol consumed while dehydrated can increase the risk of a gout attack." She added, "In 2023, the number of gout patients rose from 107,819 in February to 129,967 in August, an increase of about 20%, before decreasing again to 114,046 in winter."

Repeated consumption of more than one can of beer per day can significantly increase uric acid levels. In addition, side dishes such as organ meats and seafood, which are often consumed with alcohol, are high in purines and further increase uric acid production in the body. Fried or high-fat foods place a burden on liver metabolism, affect insulin resistance, and can also raise the risk of gout.

Professor Hwang emphasized, "Because gout is closely related to metabolic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and abdominal obesity, it should be regarded as a warning sign of systemic disease. However, many people mistake it for simple arthritis and miss the optimal treatment window." She added, "If you have experienced a gout attack or have hyperuricemia, long-term management in consultation with a medical specialist is necessary."