What is Gout?
Gout is a form of joint inflammation that occurs when the level of uric acid in the blood becomes too high. Uric acid is normally formed when the body breaks down substances called purines, but if levels become excessive, the acid can no longer remain dissolved in the blood. Instead, it precipitates and forms small, razor-sharp crystals (sodium urate) that settle inside and around the joints. You can think of it as tiny 'needles' getting stuck in the joint. The body's immune system reacts to these crystals as if they were foreign invaders, creating intense inflammation resulting in extreme pain, swelling, and redness. Gout most commonly affects men, and the risk increases with age. In women, the risk increases primarily after menopause. For many, gout is a recurring condition, and without treatment, attacks can become more frequent and, in the worst cases, lead to chronic joint problems.
Symptoms include
The symptoms of gout can vary and the most common symptoms include:< /p>
Gout attacks: Sudden and severe pain attacks are a characteristic feature of gout. These attacks usually affect one joint, usually the big toe, but they can also occur in other joints such as knees, ankles, hands or wrists.
Joint swelling and redness >: The affected joint may become swollen, red and warm during a gout attack. This is the result of the inflammation caused by the uric acid crystals.
Severe pain: The pain of a gout attack is usually very intense and sharp. It can be so painful that it affects the ability to use the affected joint.
Tenderness: Touching or pressing on the affected joint can be very painful during an attack.
Fever: Sometimes gout attacks can be accompanied by a mild fever.
Reduced joint mobility: After a gout attack, joint mobility may take time to return to normal.
Causes Gout
Gout is mainly caused by a high level of uric acid in the body which can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a natural byproduct of the body's metabolism, especially when it breaks down purines. There are several factors and causes that can increase the risk of developing gout:
Diet: A diet rich in purines can increase the production of uric acid in the body. Purines are found in foods such as red meat, seafood, organ meats, some fish and some alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
Overweight and obesity: Overweight people have a higher risk of developing gout because excess body fat can increase the production of uric acid and reduce the body's ability to eliminate it.
Heredity: If there is a family history of gout, the risk is higher because there is a hereditary component.
Age and sex: The risk of gout increases with age and men generally run greater risk of developing gout than women. However, women are at increased risk after menopause.
Medications: Certain medications such as certain diuretics and drugs that lower blood pressure can increase uric acid levels and increase the risk of gout.
Kidney diseases: Kidney diseases can affect the ability to eliminate uric acid from the body and thus increase the risk of gout.
It is important to note that although these factors increase the risk of gout, it does not necessarily mean that a person with these risk factors will develop gout. Following a healthy diet, managing weight and avoiding excess alcohol can help reduce the risk and prevent gout.