Gout 

Gout is a general term to describe several related disorders – all associated with an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood. It is an inflammatory disease reaching high levels in certain countries, notably the United Kingdom. Because of its perceived connection with a rich diet, it was once characterized as a wealthy person’s disease. Today, approximately 3% of all Canadian adults have gout with an increase of incidence occurring annually.

Causes

While there does not seem to be any specific cause for gout, there are physical or medical factors associated with the disease. These focus on the by-product of uric acid. Uric acid is a crystalline substance formed in the liver and removed by the kidneys from the blood. If something interferes or affects the process, uric acid will build up. Individuals who have gout possess high concentrations of uric acid in their blood stream.

There are also other factors/causes in the creation of the condition. These include

• Weight – obesity and overweight people are more likely to get gout
• Those who indulge in a high-protein diet leave themselves open to gout
• High blood lipid levels may also be a factor
• Certain medical conditions may be causal factors. These include diabetes mellitus

There are also other factors doctors believe will trigger off an attack. These include:

• Excessive eating of certain foods
• Overindulgence in alcohol
• Medications such as diuretics, cyclosporine or even aspirin
• Dehydration
• Minor injuries to joints

The gender of a person also comes into play. Men are more likely to suffer from gout than women are. Genetics may also play a part since gout does seem to exhibit this trend. Age is another factor. Those under puberty rarely get gout.

Description and Symptoms

Gout focuses on the joints of the foot, particularly the big toe. It can appear without warning or any sort of prior indication. When it strikes it is agonizing and of uncertain duration. It also tends to be more painful at night.

The affected joint becomes swollen. There is redness around the affected joint. While it can affect the entire foot, 75% of the overt the swelling is the big toe. During the process of the disease, skin flakes off and disappears from around the toe joints.

The first acute phase of the disease lasts approximately 7 days. If it extends beyond this, it becomes more severe. Gout can stay for a few days then return without warning. Approximately 60% of all people afflicted with gout will have a second episode within a year.

Treatment of Gout

There are very ways to treat gout. These include the usual anti-inflammatory drugs both non-steroid drugs such as aspirin, ASA and ibuprofen and corticosteroids. You can also use any of the following medications upon the commendation of a doctor.

• Colchine – if you cannot use NSAIDs
• Allopurinol – if you wish to decrease the production of uric acid
• Probenecid – to increase the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys

Also possible are changes in dietary intake as well as decreasing body weight.

Conclusion

Although once considered a disease of the rich, gout can appear at any time among any class of individuals. An intermittent disease, it tends to return. While it is known that the overproduction and retention of uric acid is responsible for the condition, no one knows specifically what triggers the uric acid excess. Obesity, improper diet, high blood lipid levels and certain medical conditions can all contribute to the possibility of anyone contracting gout.