Causes, Prevention, Signs and Symptoms of Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of the food we eat. Abnormality in handling uric acid and crystallization of these compounds in the joints can cause attacks of painful arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage of the filtering process of the renal tubules with uric acid crystals, leading to kidney failure.

Acute gout attack is characterized by rapid onset / sudden pain in the affected joint followed by a warm feeling on touching the joints, swelling, redness, and pain. Small joints at the base of the big toe is the most commonly attacked. Other joints that can be affected include the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. In some people, the pain suddenly / acute so strong that even the sheets at the foot of causing severe pain. Painful attacks usually subside within a few hours or days, with or without medication. In rare cases, attacks can last for weeks. Most people with gout will experience repeated attacks of gout arthritis for many years.

Gout is nine times more common in men than in women. It mainly affects males after puberty, with a peak age of 75 years of age. In women, gout attacks usually occur after menopause.

Obesity, excessive weight, especially in youth, drinking moderate to severe, high blood pressure, and abnormal kidney function is one of the risk factors for developing gout. Drugs and certain diseases can also cause an increase in uric acid levels. Interestingly, a recent study showed an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in patients with gout.

The base of the big toe joint is the most common site of an acute Gout attacks. These attacks can occur, except gout treated. See your doctor, even if you are sick rheumatism / gout has been lost. Over time, they can harm the joints, tendons, and other tissues.

Uric acid crystals in the finger joints and stiffness which result in painful inflammation.

People may experience gout by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints of their fingers. To reduce the pain of a gout attack, rest the painful joints.

Maintain adequate fluid intake helps prevent acute gout attacks and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation in people having gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects that can cause water shortages and triggered an acute gout attack. Alcohol can also affect uric acid metabolism and cause hyperuricemia. This causes gout, therefore slowing spending uric acid from the kidneys as well as to cause shortage of liquid, which causes uric acid crystals to precipitate in the joints.

Dietary changes can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Because purine chemicals are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods should be avoided. Foods rich in purines include shellfish and organ meats, such as liver, brain, and kidneys. Researchers have reported that meat or seafood consumption increases the risk of gout attacks, while dairy consumption seems to reduce this risk. Weight loss can help in lowering the risk of recurrent gout attacks.


Reference:

MedicineNet.com WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Gout - Topic Overview."