by Frances Lindley

Created on: December 12, 2008

ALL ABOUT GOUT: Gout was once described as a 'rich man's' condition. But this is no longer an accurate description. Gout can affect anyone according to today's researchers. By no means is gout a silent killer. if you have it, you'll know it. It will often make itself known by striking in the middle of the night causing excruciating pain, usually in the big toe. However, it could also strike other joints, such as the ankle, knee or hip. After the initial attack, other signs and symptoms of gout become evident. The affected areas become inflamed, red and swollen causing extreme discomfort. Where did this unwanted intrusion into a good night's sleep come from? For answers, lets look at some facts.

CAUSES: Simply put, there is too much Uric Acid in the blood. ordinarily, having too much is not harmful, but when it reaches a very high level the acid forms hard crystals on the joints and surrounding tissue. What is Uric Acid? The body produces it when it breaks down purines. Purines are substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods, such as, organ meats, herring, asparagus and mushrooms, to name a few. Actually, uric acid is supposed to dissolve in the blood and pass through the kidneys into urine, but in some people this does not happen efficiently. This failure in the system for controlling uric acid causes the crystals to build up in the joints and tissues causing pain, inflammation and swelling.

DIAGNOSIS: When an attack occurs, the symptoms offer a fairly reliable diagnosis, but even so, the doctor will want to ask some questions and likely do a physical examination. He may also take a sample of fluid from the affected joints to check the uric acid crystals. Usually a blood test is needed to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood.

TREATMENT: When a Gout attack occurs, even in the middle of the night, call your doctor. There is medication he can prescribe to lessen the pain. As the symptoms subside, doses may be reduced. Relief from an attack often begins within 24 hours, if treatment is started right away. The doctor will have suggestions for long term treatment to prevent future attacks.

RISK FACTORS: Who is at risk? Realizing that Gout is more likely to develop where high levels of uric acid are present in the body, some factors known to increase uric acid are: 1) Medical Conditions: untreated high blood pressure, high levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, diabetes 2) Certain Medications: aspirin, diuretics, anti-rejection drugs 3) Family

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