About Gout
By Henry-001 on
Name of the Condition and Other Names It’s Known By
Gout
It's also been known as "The Disease of Kings" due to its historical association with rich foods and alcohol consumption.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissue. It typically affects the big toe and causes intense pain, redness, and swelling. Gout results from high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to the formation of needle-shaped crystals in the bloodstream. These crystals then travel to the joints and surrounding tissues, triggering inflammation and severe pain.
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
Doctors use several tools to figure out if someone has gout:
Physical exam — The doctor looks at the swollen joint, checks skin color, pain points, and range of motion. They also look for bumpy lumps under the skin called tophi, which are collections of uric acid crystals and a strong sign of chronic gout.
Medical history — The doctor asks about family medical history and the pattern of symptoms.
Blood test — A blood test that shows high levels of uric acid could help confirm a diagnosis of gout. However, not all people with gout have high uric acid levels in the blood, and not all people with high uric acid levels have gout.
Joint fluid test (the gold standard) — The doctor takes a sample of fluid from the painful joint to look for urate crystals using a special microscope.
Ultrasound — Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures inside the body and may be used to detect urate crystals in the joints or deposits of uric acid crystals called tophi.
X-ray — An X-ray of the joint may show uric acid crystal deposits. However, X-rays can look normal even when gout is present — experts estimate that gout must be present for 5 to 10 years before joint changes show up on an X-ray.
Special CT scan (DECT) — A doctor may order a special CT scan to check for urate crystal buildup in the affected joint.
How Is Gout Treated?
Treatment has two main goals: stop the pain during a flare-up, and prevent future attacks.
Medications for Pain During a Flare
A gout attack can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger option like indomethacin or celecoxib.
Colchicine is a medication that reduces the swelling and inflammation caused by gout.
Steroid medications like prednisone may be used for people who can't take the other options due to side effects.
Medications to Lower Uric Acid Long-Term
Some medicines help the kidneys flush extra uric acid out of the body. Others break uric acid down so the body can remove it more easily. These are usually for people whose gout hasn't responded to other treatments.
The goal is to get uric acid levels in the blood below 6 mg/dL (a standard blood measurement your doctor tracks).
Lifestyle Changes
Drink plenty of water every day.
Cut back on red meat, organ meats, and shellfish. These raise uric acid levels.
Reduce alcohol and sugary drinks.
Eat more low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Stay at a healthy weight and exercise regularly, but rest painful joints during a flare.
Regular Monitoring
Your doctor will do regular blood tests to check your uric acid levels and adjust your medications as needed.
Trend In the United States
Gout affects approximately 4% of the general population.
It is more common in men than women, with a prevalence of 3-6% in men and 1-2% in women.
History of Gout
The earliest descriptions of gout date back to the 5th century B.C. It has been associated with affluence and was historically perceived as socially desirable because of its prevalence among the politically and socially powerful. However, in modern times, we know that gout does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status but is directly related to uric acid metabolism.
Gout - Sources of Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.