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Gout Disease

Gout (Gouty Arthritis)

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission.

Gout Disease can occur in all genders and ages Patients with this disease often experience rapid pain, swelling, redness, and burning in the joints in the body. But most often it occurs in the knuckle of the big toe.

Gout is a common type of arthritis that can occur in people of all genders and ages. Patients with this disease often experience rapid pain, swelling, redness, and burning in the joints in the body. But most often it occurs in the knuckle of the big toe. Gout can recur at any time, leading to waking up in the middle of the night with burning pain in the big toe. The severity of gout symptoms may alternate. However, there are ways to manage and prevent these symptoms.

Possible symptoms

Gout-inflamed joints are hot and painful. until unable to withstand even the pressure from the weight of the sheets The pain is usually intense in the first 4-12 hours, resulting in limited mobility. The skin around the joints is red and shiny. The tissue around the joint is swollen.

Joint pain may last from a few days to a few weeks and gradually subsides accordingly. In which future relapses tend to be more severe and occur in other joints.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience sudden pain in any joint, see a doctor as soon as possible. Untreated gout can cause discomfort and damage to the joints. and if found to have a fever Burning and redness around the joints may be due to an infection in the joints. You should see your doctor right away to limit the damage to the joint.

Causes

Accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream can lead to gout. The body produces uric acid from the breakdown of purines in the food and beverages eaten and from its internal sources. Foods high in purines include red meat, offal such as liver, and seafood such as krill, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna. especially beer And drinks containing sugar or fructose can increase uric acid levels in the body.

Normally, the body excretes uric acid through the kidneys through the urine. When the body produces too much uric acid or excreted through the kidneys too little

The level of uric acid in the blood is elevated. until the crystallization of uric acid in the joints These needle-shaped crystals are a common cause of gout. However, excess uric acid may not always cause gout. depending on the individual body

Risk factors for disease

High levels of uric acid in the body are a risk factor for an increased likelihood of gout. Therefore, foods that are high in purines and beverages should be avoided. Alcohol, especially beer and sugary drinks Men are 4-10 times more likely to develop gout than women.

Being overweight causes the body to make more uric acid. Make gout faster at a younger age The likelihood of gout is higher in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and kidney disease, people with a family history of gout.

Complications
: Patients with gout may have more serious problems, such as recurrent gout attacks. Medications may prevent recurrence of gout, but if left untreated This can cause the joints to be corroded and severely damaged. In addition, urate crystals may form. Under the skin is a lump called tophi . Tophi lumps can be found on the fingers, hands, feet, elbows, and hamstrings behind the ankles. Tophi lumps are generally painless. But it may cause swelling and pain when gout attacks.

Diagnosis

• If the symptoms are severe Your doctor may prescribe treatment by using a needle to pierce the affected joint to remove the fluid under a microscope.
• a blood test to measure the concentration of uric acid in the blood
• X-ray joints to look for other causes of inflammation
• Ultrasound examination will help detect urate crystals in the joints.
• Computed tomography DECT (Dual energy CT scan) combines X-ray images from different angles to analyze urate crystals in the joints.

Treatment

There are two types of gout medications, each with different treatment goals.

The first drug reduces the inflammation and discomfort that comes with gout.
The second type of medication prevents gout complications by balancing the level of uric acid in the blood.
The type of medication you should take depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

Lifestyle changes and home care

Drug therapy is the most effective way to treat gout. including prevention of relapses However, daily lifestyle adjustments are also important. Avoid problematic beverages, such as cutting back on alcoholic beverages, including sugar- and fructose-containing beverages. and should drink more water

Preparation before seeing a doctor

Your doctor may ask the following questions:

• What are your symptoms?
• When did you first have these symptoms?
• How often do these symptoms come and go?
• Is there anything that makes the symptoms worse, such as diet or stress?
• Are there any other underlying diseases that require treatment?
• Do you have any relatives or family members such as parents or siblings with gout?
• Do you drink alcohol? If so, how often?