What Is Gout And How to Treat It?

Gout is a condition that has been documented in Classical Greece and Ancient Egypt. It was known as the “disease among kings”, such as Charles V and Henry VIII. In most cases, however, it is caused by the inability to eliminate uric acid via the kidneys. It is a common condition that affects about 2% of adults in the world. The severity of the disease increases with age, and it is the first cause of acute arthritis in males. However, women can also get it, often after menopause. This is one of the best natural supplements against Gout: Gout Treatment

What is Gout?

Gout is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals within a joint or the surrounding tissues. Gout is a condition that occurs in patients who have high blood levels of uric acids (previously hyperuricemia). It manifests itself as inflammation in one or more of the joints. If deposits are large, “tophi” can form under the skin.

Gout can be a form of arthritis that can also affect the kidneys. It can lead to kidney failure and even uric acid stone formation. Crystal deposits in the joints can cause chronic inflammation over time, which can affect the cardiovascular system. Gout patients also suffer from the “metabolic syndrome”, which is characterized by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, triglycerides, and obesity. They are at greater risk for type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other conditions. Here you can learn more about Gout and how to treat it: Gout Home Remedy

Causes

Gout is a major risk factor. However, not all hyperuricemia patients have gout. Patients who are not symptomatic usually do not get treated. Hyperuricemia can be caused by a problem with the kidneys and intestines eliminating uric acids from the blood. This could be caused by hormonal or genetic factors, chronic renal insufficiency, hypertension, or certain drug intakes.

Hyperuricemia can occur in some patients due to an increase of uric acids due to diet and excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages. Consuming foods high in purines (red meats, sausages, seafood, and calories) can increase uric acid levels. Excess uric acid can be caused by certain genetic conditions, blood diseases and psoriasis. Here you will find different home treatments for gout: Home Remedies For Gout

Signs

Subclinical inflammation is when there are joint deposits of urate crystals. Gout is when the joints become inflamed. Acute attacks can cause intense pain, swelling, redness and increased temperature. The “podagra” is a sign of inflammation of the metatarsophalangeal joints of the big toe. However, other joints like the tarsals (instep), knees or elbows and synovial bursae, or tendons, can also become inflamed.

Initial crises usually affect one joint and are self-limiting. They subside in a few days. They become more frequent and longer over time, affecting more joints. If the disease isn’t treated, the joint can become damaged, leading to chronic pain and disability. Patients with renal colic may experience the presence of stones, while others will develop tophi. Confirmation of the presence or absence of monosodium-urate crystals within the joint or tissues is the best way to diagnose gout. Things you should know about gout: Gout Home Remedies

Gout Treatment

Hyperuricemia patients who present with joint inflammation crises or tophi should consult their rheumatologist. They will confirm the diagnosis and begin individualized treatment that is appropriate for the patient’s disease burden, patient characteristics, and comorbidities (metabolic Syndrome, cardiovascular risk…etc. ).

The consultation aims to lower blood uric acid levels to below 6 mg/dl to prevent urate crystals from forming and causing new problems in the body. A balanced diet, adequate water intake, weight control, exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption (especially spirits and beer) are important. These measures can help reduce blood uric acid and cardiovascular risk. However, they are not enough to treat the disease. They must be combined with effective pharmacological treatments. Here you will find out which is the best treatment for gout: Gout Treatment

Gout is therefore a comprehensive treatment that includes:

1.- Changes in diet and lifestyle.

2.- Prevention and treatment of crises in the first month of follow-up.

3.- A reduction in uric acid levels with drugs that lower its production or aid its elimination

4.- Management of comorbidities

These measures increase the quality of life and prognosis of these patients. What is the best Gout Diet? Find out here: Gout Diet