There are millions of people who are being deprived of having their own freedom, having their own dreams, and having the right to live. It may sound cliché and unreal, but it is actually true. And those who experience this condition are the victims of gout. This condition may really cause some severe effects on those who have it and may cause them to not have a normal life anymore, depriving them to do what they want to do. Hence, the treatments for gout is very important to be able to get rid of this filthy condition and to make the life we have worth living. Keep reading to learn more about this condition.
What is Gout?
It’s a disease that is characterized by irregular metabolism of uric acid. This may result in uric acid in the blood and ties. Those who have this condition may either produce an excessive amount of uric acid or, more commonly, their kidneys tend to be incapable of removing the uric acid. There are actually various possible consequences in the buildup of uric acid in the body, including chronic and acute gouty arthritis, local bonds of tophi or uric acid, as well as kidney stones in the skin, and some other tissues.
Gout may be caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in the body’s bloodstream and in the buildup of uric acid rock crystals in the body tissues. The deposits of uric acid crystal in the body’s joints may cause inflammation resulting in pain, swelling, heat, and redness.
The condition may occur alone. However, sometimes it comes with some other medical conditions. Gout is becoming more common, and some estimate that there are more than 6 million people who are plagued with it.
Types of Gout
Here are various types of gouts:
- Pseudogout: This is one condition that people often confuse with gout because they have similar symptoms. However, there is a major difference in the way pseudogout is treated when compared with other forms of gout.
- Chronic tophaceous gout: If this particular type of gout is not treated immediately, it may cause some serious effects. It’s thought to be the most devastating type of gout.
- Intercritical or interval gout: When this particular type of gout is not treated immediately, it may last longer, display worse symptoms, and reoccur more regularly.
- Acute gout: The flares, or sudden attacks, in this type of gout may sometimes be caused by various stressful events, drugs, alcohol, or even cold weather.
- Asymptomatic hyperuricimia: People who have this particular condition are often advised to take precautions to avoid the build-up of uric acid.
Gout: What causes it?
The condition is caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in the body, or, specifically, in the bloodstream. It may also be caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the tissues of the body. When uric acid crystals deposit in the joints, they cause inflammation and pain.
Gout: Hereditary factors
Here are some of the hereditary factors that may lead to gout:
- Hereditary organ problems: Various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and organ failure, may cause the onset of gout.
- Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: This genetic syndrome may result in the increase of synthesis and may reduce the body’s purine usage. Furthermore, this particular condition may also increase the risk or onset of gout.
- Inherited diet preference: Genes help dictate dietary preferences. For instance, if your father eats food that may cause an increase in uric acid, there is a big change that you’ll favor similar foods, thus, increasing the chances that you’ll both suffer from gout.
Gout: Symptoms
The condition often becomes suddenly symptomatic, even without prior warning signs. It often occurs in the middle of the night and the symptoms might include immense joint pain, redness, and inflammation. Gout mainly affects the large joint of big toes. However, it may affect fingers, wrists, elbow, knees, and ankles as well.
The pain that it brings can be very excruciating. Hence, this condition truly needs to be treated well and immediately.
Gout: Prevention Tips
Here are some healthy lifestyle factors that may be beneficial in preventing the condition:
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Maintain high consumption of fluid (approx. 2 to 4 litters per day)
Treatment for Gout
It is very important to avoid purine-rich foods when trying to treat gout. This is to ensure that uric acid levels in the blood do not get any higher. Here are some of the most efficient foods to consume as treatment for gout:
