Having a bout with gout? This blog gives you the lowdown on this disease, it’s causes, and treatments. What is gout? Gout is a build up of uric acid which is a metabolic breakdown product of purine metabolism. Elevation of the level of serum uric acid may result from overproduction or reduced excretion of uric acid. Most cases are caused by a primary overproduction of uric acid, the cause is usually unknown. Gout most commonly affects the 1st MPJ or big toe joint and is termed podagra. The accumulation of uric acid crystals in the soft tissue is called tophi. Who normally gets gout? Gout is more common in men, and to a lesser extent, postmenopausal women. What are the symptoms of gout? A person with gout normally has redness with a large painful, swollen, warm joint. The person may also experience a fever but shouldn’t have any nausea, vomiting or chills because that normally appears in the presence of an infection. What are the causes of gout?
- diseases with increased cell turnover such as leukemias, lymphomas, sickle cell disease, psoriasis
- alcohol, red wine
- trauma
- anchovies, sweetbreads, organ meats, cellular leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach)
- diuretics, aspirin
- dehydration
How do you diagnose gout? Clinical assessment is usually the best. But these can help with the diagnosis:
- check uric acid levels
- 24 hour urine collection
- x-rays
- aspiration of the joint
What are some treatments for gout?
- corticosteroid injection
- oral steroids
- anti-inflammatories
- colchicine
- allopurinol
