What is Gout?

Gout, which comes from the Latin gutta and means liquid or effusion, is a chronic or acute form of joint inflammation that is caused by the presence or accumulation of uric acids crystals within the joint. These crystals act as “foreign bodies” and trigger a number of cellular mechanisms that cause inflammation. Learn here the symptoms of Gout: Gout Symptoms

Hyperuricemia refers to high blood uric acid levels. However, not all people with hyperuricemia will develop gout. The risk of developing arthritis secondary is increased if the blood uric acid level is high. gout. Gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia without arthritis attacks are more common in men than in the women. Because of their genetic influences, it is not uncommon to see several male relatives with this condition.

Gout and Hyperuricemia: Causes

Two fundamental mechanisms can raise the levels of uric acid in blood:

Increased production of urine acid.

Reduced kidney elimination of uric acids

This is the most common cause of gout. It is caused by congenital defects in enzymes that regulate the metabolism of uric acids. This can also occur in hematological disorders (leukemia, for example), where cells are destroyed and prolonged fasting is due to the massive use of proteins. Gout is most commonly caused by decreased uric acids elimination by the kidneys (90%) which is usually due to congenital renal defects. These conditions cause low urine uric acid excretion (which can be measured using a 24-hour urine sample). Even though the body produces no uric acids, a failure to eliminate it adequately can lead to an increase in blood levels. This same mechanism can also be triggered by other factors, including prolonged fasting, excessive alcohol intake, and renal insufficiency. Learn more about natural remedies for gout: Home Remedies For Gout

Clinical Picture

Gout is a condition in which the person develops a chronic, severe form of hyperuricemia. This causes the body to experience a period of asymptomatic hyperuricemia for several years until the uric acid levels become sufficiently high (often greater than 9 mg/100ml). It usually appears in men around 35 years old as monoarthritis (one joint arthritis). This is the first metatarsophalangeal (big toe) joint of gout. This is known as podagra. Due to severe pain, the joint becomes reddish-violet and hot. The dorsum of your foot, ankle and knees, as well as the elbow, may also be affected by initial monoarthritis.

These episodes usually disappear in a matter of days and are gone within a few months. Intercritical gout is a term that describes the time between crises. These crises are more frequent and may affect multiple joints at once.

If an individual doesn’t receive treatment, he/she may develop chronic gout over time. This phase is when uric acid deposits, particularly in the area of the joints, are present in the subcutaneous tissues. Chronic polyarticular arthritis (multiple joint involvement) can lead to severe deformities.

Chronic renal failure can be caused by uric acid deposits in the kidneys. In this channel you will learn all about Gout and its treatment: Gout Home Remedy

Diagnosis

A physician will diagnose you if there is a clinical picture that matches the condition and if the patient has hyperuricemia. For the same purpose, material can be taken from tophi for microscopic analysis.

However, X-rays can be helpful in advanced stages. An excellent natural supplement against gout can be obtained here: Gout Home Remedy

Treatment

Gout treatment can be divided into two parts:

Maintenance treatment (hyperuricemia control).

To prevent future gout attacks, it aims to maintain normal blood levels of uric acid. It is accomplished in three ways. a) Dietary restriction: This includes limiting alcohol intake and avoiding foods high in uric acid such as anchovies (sardines), red meat, seafood, lentils or asparagus. b) Uricosuric medications to increase urine uric acid excretion (e.g. Provenecid). c) Allopurinol and drugs that reduce uric acid production This is not a treatment for an acute crisis. Gout is also treated with a healthy diet, here you can get more information: Gout Diet