Gout, or gouty arthritis, is a chronic condition that is characterized by pain in the joints. It is a progressive disease that can lead to joint degeneration and possible kidney failure.
Gout Causes
Gout is caused by an excess amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. The medical term for this condition is hyperuricemia. The excess uric acid can cause uric acid crystals to form in the joints, tissues or organs. Uric acid crystals deposited in the fluid and lining of the joints can cause inflammation with heat, swelling and pain. In addition to the joints, uric acid crystals may also build up in the kidneys, causing kidney stones, interfering with kidney function, and possibly leading to kidney failure.
An initial gout attack may be triggered by dehydration, drinking alcohol, eating too much, taking certain types of drugs, surgery or trauma.
In about half of the cases, the first symptom of gout is intense pain in the joint of the big toe, but it can also affect other joints, organs and tissues of the body. It usually occurs suddenly, often in the middle of the night, as an excruciating pain in the joint of the big toe or another joint. Chills and fever may accompany the attack.
Who is at Risk for Gout?
More than eight million people in the US are affected by gout. It can be hereditary in people who cannot process uric acid normally. If your parents have gout, there is a 20% chance you will also get the disease. It is much more common in men than in women. Men can get gout any time after puberty, but it is rare in women before menopause.
People who are obese or suffer from high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, certain types of cancer (leukemia or lymphoma), or diseases involving hemoglobin, are at a higher risk. Alcohol, soft drinks containing high fructose corn syrup, and some medications including chemotherapy drugs, certain diuretics, aspirin, and niacin can increase the risk of gout.
Gout Treatment
When having a gout attack, you should elevate the painful joint, apply ice packs to relieve pain, and drink water. Doctors may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, colchicine, or medications to control the amount of uric acid in the body.
Adjusting your diet can help decrease the risk of a gout attack. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, components of DNA that are found in various foods, so it is recommended to avoid eating foods that are high in purines. Avoid large amounts of red meat, organ meats, oily fish, and alcohol. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits and drink plenty of water to dilute the urine and increase excretion of uric acid. Eating fresh cherries and drinking cherry juice is helpful to prevent gout attacks.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gout/article.htm
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/gout/article_em.htm#Gout%20Overview
