What is gout?

 

• Gout is a fairly common and complex form of arthritis. It is characterized by a sudden, severe attack of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, most commonly the joint at the base of the big toe. It can unfortunately occur suddenly and can become bothersome. The affected joint is hot, swollen, and extremely tender. The symptoms usually come and go but there are medications and ways to prevent the re-occurrence and control symptoms.

 

Who is impacted?

 

• Those who have high uric acid levels have an increased risk of developing gout. Factors that may increase uric acid in the body are the following:
  • Diet (meat, seafood, drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar, alcohol, beer)
  • Obesity
  • Medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart and kidney diseases)
  • Certain medications such as thiazide diuretics, low dose aspirin
  • Family history of gout
  • Age (typically between the ages of 30 and 50)
  • Gender (gout usually occurs in men)
  • Recent surgery or trauma

 

 

How is gout diagnosed?

 

• The following tests help in diagnosing gout:
  • Joint fluid test
  • Blood test
  • X-ray imaging
  • Ultrasound
  • Dual energy CT scan

 

 

How is gout treated?

 

• Gout attacks can be treated by:
  • NSAIDs
  • Colchicine
  • Corticosteroids
• Gout can be prevented by:
  • Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
    • Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
    • Febuxostat (Uloric)
  • Uricosurics:
    • Probenecid (Probalan)
    • Lesinurad (Zurampic)

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897