The human body secretes and absorbs various acids. Some acids are beneficial, while others can be harmful if present in excessive amounts. High levels of these acids can lead to the development of diseases in the body. One such disease is Gout.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes symptoms of painful and inflamed joints. It is not caused by a specific agent such as microorganisms and is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in various joints in the body. As we know, uric acid is one of the excretory or waste products of the human body. Sometimes, due to a person's metabolism or the intake of a high quantity of substances containing uric acid, it develops into a condition called Gout.

Gout is mainly related to the joint area of the body. Generally, Gout is observed in people who consume more rice and wine in their daily diet. Its occurrence is more common in men than women. However, Gout, or painful or inflamed joints, can occur in any person regardless of gender and age. Gout can also be caused if the person suffers from problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Causes of Gout 

Gout is caused by the accumulation of high amounts of uric acid in the body. The reasons for this accumulation can include:

• Improper functioning of the kidneys, which are not able to excrete or clear the uric acid from the body.
• Heavy intake of foods containing purines, as purines can easily be converted into uric acid. Some examples of foods that have high levels of purines include:
• Alcoholic drinks
• Sugary drinks high in fructose
• Some meats, such as game meats, kidneys, brain, and liver
• Some dried materials, like dried beans and dried peas
• Certain types of seafood, such as anchovies, scallops, mackerel, herring, and sardines.

Other factors that can lead to the development of Gout include:

• Emotional stress
• Tiredness
• Obesity or fatigue
• High consumption of drinks and alcohol
• Illness
• Some surgeries

Certain people are more susceptible to Gout than others, including:

• Men, who are at higher risk than women
• Postmenopausal women
• Those with kidney disease
• Those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels
• Those with diabetes
• Those with a family history of Gout

For these people, Gout can lead to a lot of pain and inflammation in the joints.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout symptoms can vary from person to person and can occur in the body suddenly without any warning.

The condition can affect the body abruptly and, in severe cases, may lead to deformity in the patient. Gout symptoms do not stop at one time and can occur again and again, leading to chronic gout. Some common symptoms of gout include: swollen joints, fever, chillness in the body, feeling tired or sick, warmth in the joint area, skin that is tight, red or purple colored and shiny over the joints, accumulation of uric acid crystals as hard lumps found under the skin, and severe or sudden pain in the joint area and around the joints.

Some symptoms of gout may be similar to other diseases, and gout can also lead to the development of other chronic diseases.

How to Diagnose Gout? 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, it is important to contact your healthcare provider or family doctor. They will conduct a physical examination and ask about your medical history. If they are unable to diagnose the issue through the physical examination, they may take a fluid sample from the affected joint area and perform arthrocentesis to check for the presence and amount of uric acid crystals. This will aid in the diagnosis of Gout.

Treatment of Gout

The treatment of Gout varies depending on the symptoms, age, and overall health of the individual. Additionally, it may also vary based on the severity of the disease. Generally, lifestyle changes are the primary cause of many diseases. Thus, the treatment and remedies for recovering from Gout include some lifestyle changes, such as:

• Avoiding the consumption of alcoholic drinks
• Controlling other diseases that have already affected the joints
• Consuming fewer amounts of high-protein rich foods
• Avoiding the intake of excessive non-alcoholic liquid items.
• If obesity is found to be the primary cause, start losing weight
• Keeping blood sugar levels at an optimal level
• Avoiding the consumption of high-cholesterol foods

Medications are also recommended for treating Gout, such as:

• Colchicine and corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation of the joints and acute attacks of Gout
• Maintaining low uric acid levels in the body.

Conclusion

Eating nutritious and healthy foods, as well as regular exercise in our daily lives, can help reduce complications and diseases in the body. Maintaining low levels of uric acid can also help decrease the risk of developing Gout.