Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by severe attacks of pain around the joints. Gout can be classified into two types: acute and chronic. Acute gout is characterized by pain and inflammation in only one joint that lasts for a short period of time. Chronic gout is characterized by pain and inflammation in several joints that occurs repeatedly.
Physiology
Animal protein contains high amounts of a substance called purine, which is broken down into uric acid when it enters the body. In normal cases, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys, where it is deposited into the urine so it can be excreted from the body. In those with gout, the body either produces too much uric acid from purines or it cannot properly excrete uric acid. This high concentration of uric acid in the blood results in the formation of urate crystals around the joints. This accumulation of urate crystals results in the inflammation of the joint that is associated with a gout attack.
Risk Factors
Some physical characteristics and lifestyle choices put some people at an increased risk of developing gout. Men between the ages of 40 and 50 are more likely to develop gout than women. Those who drink excessively are also at an increased risk of developing gout. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, atherosclerosis and diabetes also increase a person's risk of developing gout. Certain medications, such as aspirin and high blood pressure medication can also increase uric acid levels and make someone more susceptible to gout.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of gout is severe pain in the joints. Gout most commonly affects the joint in the big toe, but can also affect the joints of the ankle, feet, knees, hands and wrists, according to MayoClinic.com. The affected joints may also become inflamed, which makes them swollen, red and sensitive to the touch. Gout attacks usually last for a few days, but some discomfort may last longer.
Treatment
Treatment for gout is separated into immediate treatment and long-term management. When you have a gout attack, your doctor will usually recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS to reduce the inflammation around the joints and ease the pain. If the pain is severe, prescription strength medication may also be given. Once inflammation has subsided, the doctor can give you medications that control the uric acid levels in the body and help prevent future attacks.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com notes that if you have gout, reduce your animal protein intake and only eat protein from non-animal sources, such as eggs, nut butters, low-fat dairy and tofu. Your intake of animal protein from meat, fish and poultry should be limited only 4 to 6 oz per day. You should also drink 8 to 16 cups of fluids every day and avoid alcohol as much as possible.
