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What is Gout
Gout is a
condition that is brought on by an excessive
amount of uric acid, an end product of
purines, in the body. Excess uric acid in
the blood, called hyperurecemia, can occur
when the body either over-produces uric
acid, fails to elimate it properly, or a
combination of the two.
Needle-shaped
uric acid crystals form in the connective
tissue of the joints. As white blood cells
rupture when attempting to ingest the
crystals, other white blood cells
accumulate, resulting in inflammation and
excrutiating pain. Attacks of gout can occur
with little or no notice, usually in joints
of the outer extremities, such as the large
toe. This is probably due to the lower body
temperature found in these areas.
Attacks can
be brought on by many causes: surgery, some
diuretic medications, dehydration, alcohol
consumption, extreme changes in diet, use of
aspirin (a salicylate), renal insufficiency,
trauma, and a diet of foods high in purines.
About 5.9
million people in the United States suffer
from gout, and the numbers are growing. More
than 70 per cent are men over 40. Gout does
not usually occur in women until after
menopause.
Treatments
include symptom-relieving medicines such as
anti-inflammatories and colchicine,
preventive medicines such as allopurinol,
elimination of alcohol, and a diet of foods
lower in purines. Interestingly, gout is
said to be the only rheumatic disease known
to be helped when certain foods are avoided. |
