|
|
 |
|
|
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid
crystals in the joints of the body, causing inflammation, swelling and
pain.
The normal body processing of Purine ( protein substances that are found naturally in our
diets) by the liver results in
an end product called uric acid which then gets excreted by the kidneys. A build-up of uric acid
occurs when the body has difficulty
eliminating uric acid through the kidneys and urine, or in some cases,
when the body produces too much uric acid. Dietary intake of rich
foods - red meat, cream sauces, red wine and brandy can put more uric acid
into the bloodstream than the kidneys can filter. When uric acid builds up in the blood,
it begins to crystallize over time and settles in the joint
spaces which irritates the
joint lining and causes severe joint inflammation, or an acute gout attack. Left untreated, acute gout attacks can last for
hours to weeks. The average time between the first attack and a recurrence is
about 1 year unless some preventative treatment occurs. Over time, untreated
gout may result in attacks that are more frequent and longer in duration.
Irreversible joint damage also may occur.
90% of gout cases are due to the underexcretion of
uric acid from the kidneys. Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe or ankle
joint but any joint may be
involved including the knees, ankles, fingers, wrists, or elbows. Women, in
particular, are likely to experience gout in the hands. Another possible
result of high blood uric acid levels is the development of kidney stones. Some individuals have noted gout
attacks to be triggered by trauma, alcohol, or stress.
The tendency to accumulate uric
acid is often hereditary. It can, however, skip an individual or even a
generation and reappear in the children of someone who has no signs of
gout. While it is most commonly seen in males between fifty and sixty
years of age, gout does occur in females and in younger males.
|
| |
|
|
|
