Gout is a condition that results from an overload of crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body and features recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis). Chronic gout can lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones.
Gout has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. It is often related to an inherited abnormality in the body's ability to process uric acid. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat. An abnormality in handling uric acid can cause attacks of painful arthritis (gout attack), kidney stones, and blockage of the kidney-filtering tubules with uric-acid crystals, leading to kidney failure. On the other hand, some people may only develop elevated blood uric-acid levels (hyperuricemia) without having arthritis or kidney problems. The term "gout" commonly is used to refer to the painful arthritis attacks.
Gouty arthritis is usually an extremely painful attack with a rapid onset of joint inflammation. The joint inflammation is precipitated by deposits of uric-acid crystals in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) and joint lining (synovial lining). Intense joint inflammation occurs as white blood cells engulf the uric-acid crystals and release chemicals of inflammation, causing pain, heat, and redness of the joint tissues.
Who is affected by gout?
Approximately 1 million people in the United States suffer from attacks of gout. (Did you know that none other than Benjamin Franklin had terrible gouty arthritis!) Gout is nine times more common in men than in women. It predominantly attacks males after puberty, with a peak age of 75. In women, gout attacks usually occur after menopause.
Monday, January 26, 2009
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