Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by pain, heat, redness, and swelling (swelling) of the body's joints. It usually affects one joint at a time and is not transmitted to another joint. It mainly affects the big toe, knees and heel.
The swelling and pain are caused by a deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism and is naturally eliminated in the urine. However, in people with this disease, the levels are so high (hyperuricemia) that it crystallizes and accumulates in joints and other tissues. It can also be deposited in the kidneys, leading to the formation of uric acid kidney stones.
Increased levels of this acid can occur due to high production, low elimination or a combination of these factors, which may or may not have genetic causes. The disease is also related to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
We can divide the gout into three distinct phases:
- First, there is sudden pain and swelling in the joints. These symptoms usually occur at night and are restricted to a single joint. This first phase usually ends in 5 to 10 days.
- The second phase is characterized by the lack of symptoms, that is, an asymptomatic phase also called the intercritical period.
- Finally, the third phase is characterized by more frequent and lasting crises, which affect more joints. Complications usually occur such as: kidney failure, tophi (crystal deposits around the joints) and joint deformities.
This disease is more common in men and usually occurs after 40 years of age. In women, it also manifests, but it is more frequent after the age of 60 (post-menopause). Some factors can increase the risk of developing gout, such as kidney failure, use of medications such as diuretics and cyclosporine, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially beer, and a diet with large amounts of purines, meat and seafood, for example.
To diagnose the disease, some tests must be performed, including complete blood count, serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, joint X-ray, among others. Diagnosis is confirmed only through synovial fluid analyses, synovianalysis.
Treatment should include losing weight, reducing the use of alcoholic beverages, and eating less purine-rich foods. Food must restrict the consumption of red meat, animal offal, canned fish (e.g. sardines) and shellfish. The diet will change according to the patient's profile
The best medicine for the treatment will be indicated by your doctor. Usually the medication is intended to relieve pain, treat tophi and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
by Vanessa dos Santos
Graduated in Biology