gout

Drop

Gout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints.

Acute gout is a painful condition that usually affects only one joint. Chronic gout refers to repetitive episodes of pain and inflammation. More than one joint may be affected.
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Causes

Gout is caused by having a higher than normal uric acid level in the body. This can happen if:

    The body produces too much uric acid.
    The body has difficulty getting rid of uric acid.

When too much uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints (synovial fluid), uric acid crystals form. These crystals cause the joint to swell, causing pain, swelling and elevated temperature in the area.

The exact cause is unknown. Gout can be hereditary. The problem is more common in men, postmenopausal women and people who drink alcohol. As people get older, gout becomes more common.

The disease can also occur in people with:

    Diabetes
    Renal disease
    Obesity
    Sickle cell anemia and other anemias
    Leukemia and other blood cancers

Gout can occur after taking medications that interfere with the removal of uric acid from the body. People who take certain medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide and other diuretics, may have a higher level of uric acid in their blood.
symptom
Symptoms has been extended.

Symptoms of acute gout:

    Only one or a few joints are affected. The joints of the big toe, knee or ankle are affected more frequently.
    The pain starts suddenly, often during the night. The often intense pain is described as pulsating, oppressive or unbearable.
    The joint looks hot and red. Usually, it is very sensitive and swollen (it hurts to put a sheet or blanket on top).
    There may be fever.
    The attack may disappear after a few days, but may return from time to time. Additional attacks usually last longer.

After a first gout attack, people will not have any symptoms. Many people will have another attack in the next 6 to 12 months.

Some people can develop chronic gout. This is called gouty arthritis. This condition can lead to joint damage and loss of movement in the joints. People with chronic gout will have joint pain and other symptoms most of the time.

Uric acid deposits can form bumps under the skin around the joints or in other places such as the elbows, fingertips and ears. The protuberance is called tofo, from the Latin meaning, type of stone. Tophi (multiple protuberances) can develop only after a person has had the disease for many years. These protuberances may ooze a whitish substance.
Tests and exams
Tests and exams has been extended.

Tests that can be done include:

    Synovial fluid analysis (shows uric acid crystals)
    Uric acid in the blood
    X-ray of the joint (may be normal)
    Synovial biopsy
    Uric acid in the urine

A level of uric acid in the blood of more than 7 mg / dL (milligrams per deciliter) is high. However, not everyone with a high level of uric acid has gout.
Treatment
Treatment has been extended.

Take the medicine for gout as soon as possible if you have a sudden attack.

Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or indomethacin as soon as the symptoms start. Talk to your health care provider about the correct dose. You will need stronger doses for a few days.



A prescription medication called colchicine helps reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
    Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) can also be very effective. Your provider can inject steroids into the inflamed joint to relieve pain.
    The pain often goes away after 12 hours of starting treatment. Most of the time, the pain has disappeared after 48 hours.

You may need to take medications such as allopurinol (Zyloprin), febuxostat (Uloric), or probenecid (Benemid) daily to decrease the levels of uric acid in your blood.

You may need these medications if:

    It has several attacks during the same year or its attacks are very intense.
    It has joint damage.
    It has tophi.
    You have kidney disease or kidney stones.

Changes in diet and lifestyle can help prevent gout attacks:

    Decrease the consumption of alcohol, especially beer (some wine may be useful).
    I lost weight.
    Exercise daily
    Reduce consumption of red meat and sugary drinks.
    Choose healthy foods such as dairy products, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits (the less sugary) and whole grains.
    Drink coffee and take vitamin C supplements (may help some people).

Expectations (prognosis)
Expectations (prognosis) has been extended.

The adequate treatment of acute attacks and the reduction of uric acid to a level below 6 mg / dL allow people to lead a normal life. However, the acute form of the disease can progress to chronic gout if not treated properly.
Possible complications
Possible complications has been extended.

Complications may include:

    Chronic gouty arthritis
    Kidney stones
    Deposits in the kidneys, which lead to chronic kidney failure
    High levels of uric acid in the blood are associated with the risk of kidney disease. Studies are underway to find out whether lowering the level of uric acid can reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.

When to contact a medical professional
When to contact a medical professional has been extended.

Call your provider if you have symptoms of acute gouty arthritis.
Prevention
Prevention has been extended.

While it is possible that gout can not be prevented, you can probably avoid the factors that trigger the symptoms. Taking medications to reduce uric acid can prevent the advance of gout.
Alternative names
Alternative names has been extended.

Drop due to arthritis - acute; Drop - acute; Hyperuricemia; Tophaceous gout; Tops; Podagra; Gout - chronic; Chronic gout; Acute drop; Drop due to acute arthritis