What is gout?
Gout is an inflammatory joint disease. This condition is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid forms crystals, which deposit in joints. The deposition of these crystals cause redness, warmth, swelling and pain in various joints.
What are the symptoms of gout?
Gout is characterised by sudden onset of joint pain and swelling. The most common joint affected is the big toe, but other joints like ankle foot or knee joints can also be affected. The pain is severe excruciating in nature and usually last for 10-14 days if not treated. This episode of joint pain is usually followed by an asymptomatic interval of variable period to be followed by the next episode of joint pain and swelling. The frequency of the joint pain episode is quite variable and may range from once in 2-3 years to once a month. It most commonly affects males after the age of 50.
How is gout diagnosed?
Gout is diagnosed by characteristic symptoms and signs. Blood reports (elevation of uric acid in the blood) and joint fluid analysis (uric acid crystals) helps in the diagnosis. However, just elevated uric acid level is not gout and it is the characteristic symptoms in association make the diagnosis of gout.
How is got treated?
The treatment is divided in the two parts.
Symptom relief is achieved by NSAIDs, steroid and/or colchicine. Uric acid lowering treatment involves allopurinol and febuxostat. By lowering the uric acid level frequency of the gouty attacks are decreased and new attacks can be prevented. The decision to chose which medication depends upon severity of the symptoms and other medical condition of the patient.
What diet should I take to decrease uric acid level?
The patients with gout should avoid high purine diet such as meat, alcohol, cold drinks and sweet fruit juices. Vegetable proteins are not associated with much increase in the uric acid level and can be taken in moderate amount. Staying active and weight reduction also reduces uric acid level.
Useful links :
Click to read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis