Gout
Alternate Names : Acute Gout, Gouty Arthritis, Acute Gouty Arthritis
Gout is a form of arthritis,
or joint inflammation, that is caused by increased uric acid in the
bloodstream. Uric acid is a chemical produced by the normal breakdown of cells.
What is going on in the body?
Gout results from an excess of uric acid in the body. The excess uric acid is
deposited in 1 or more joints, causing arthritis.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric
acid accumulates in the body and may form crystals in the joints under the following conditions:
if the person has a defect in metabolism that causes overproduction of uric
acid. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes involved in normal body
functions.
if the kidneys have a reduced ability to remove uric acid from the
bloodstream
if the person's diet is high in purines, which are broken down into uric acid
in the body. Foods high in purines include organ meats, seafood, and dried
beans.
Certain risk factors increase a person's chance of developing gout or having a
flare-up of symptoms once he or she has the disease. These factors include the following:
a diet high in purines
alcohol
consumption
obesity
high blood pressure
high levels of cholesterol,
triglycerides, and other lipids in the blood
diabetes
kidney disease
sickle cell anemia, a
blood disorder that causes abnormal red blood cells
Gout occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 people. It is more common in men, although
women are at increased risk after menopause, the end of normal menstruation.
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