Is gout only caused by polycythemia or gout is also independent disorder. From past six years I get gout attacks on my foot but during these 6 years I have done CBC HEMOGRAM TESTS almost 10 times for various reasons but none of times my hemoglobin, pcv, has crosses its normal range. Most of my CBC HEMOGRAM suggests my hemoglobin between 14- 15 and pcv 43,47,49 in all those 10 CBC HEMOGRAM REPORTS, my rbc count is mostly 5.45,5.75 in above reports from last 6 years My mother had gout attack on her foot long ago and I also smoke everyday at least 5 to 6 cigarettes everyday and alcohol twice a week. Do I have gout because of polycythemia, I have read about polycythemia on google. I am scared. Or gout is due to my drinking habit. Please please give me answer. Im worried a lot when read about polycythemia on google.

Dr. Udaya Nath SahooGeneral Physician49yrs exp

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Hello, Thanks for your query on Lybrate "As" per your clinical history is concerned your report dose not indicate polycythemia so check if you have following symptoms present or not. 1)Itchiness, especially following a warm bath or shower 2) Headache 3) Dizziness 4) Weakness 5) Excessive sweating 6) Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe 7) Shortness of breath 8) Breathing difficulty when you lie down 9) Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs 10) A feeling of fullness or bloating in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen Do a check of erythropoietin a hormone in the body and to confirm you need a bone marrow biopsy. Do follow lifestyle modifications like this - 1) Do exercise. Moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve your blood flow, which decreases your risk of blood clots. Leg and ankle stretches and exercises also can improve your blood circulation. 2) Try to avoid tobacco. 3) To reduce itching, bathe in cool water and pat your skin dry. Avoid hot tubs, heated whirlpools, and hot showers or baths. Try not to scratch, as it can damage your skin and increase the risk of infection. Use lotion to keep your skin moist. 4) Try to avoid extreme temperatures. Poor blood flow increases your risk of injury from hot and cold temperatures. In cold weather, always wear warm clothing, particularly on your hands and feet. In hot weather, protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of liquids. 5) Watch for sores. Poor circulation can make it difficult for sores to heal, particularly on your hands and feet. Inspect your feet regularly and tell your doctor about any sores. Polycythamia has no connection with gout and for gout follow like this - 1) Discuss with your Doctor about allopurinol and febuxostat to reduce gout complications 2) Keep your fluid intake high. Stay well-hydrated, including plenty of water. 3) Limit or avoid alcohol like beer 4) Get your protein from low-fat dairy products. Low-fat dairy products may actually have a protective effect against gout, so these are your best-bet protein sources. 5) Limit your intake of meat, fish and poultry. 6) Maintain a desirable body weight. Hope that helps.  

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