MEDICAL BOOK OF DISEASES:

GOUT

BY: CHRISTINA BARTEL VALERIE HELLER VALENTINA MARTIN

What Is It?  Gout is a type of arthritis. A disease in which

defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis, especially in the smaller bones of the feet, deposition of chalkstones, and episodes of acute pain.

Causes It occurs when uric acid builds up

in blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful condition that often affects only one joint; Chronic gout is repeated episodes of pain and inflammation. More than one joint may be affected. Gout is caused initially by an excess of uric acid in the blood.

Other causes may be: genetics, gender and age, weight, alcohol consumption, diet, lead exposure and other health problems.

Consequences Some of the gout’s long-term consequences

can include joint damage, skin nodules of uric acid, and kidney injury and/or stones.

Symptoms Warmth, pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness in

a joint, usually a big toe joint. This symptom is called podagra. The pain often starts during the night. It may get worse quickly, last for hours, and be so intense that even light pressure from a sheet is intolerable.

Very red or purplish skin around the affected joint. The joint may appear to be infected.

Limited movement in the affected joint. Peeling and itching of the skin around the affected

joint as the gout gets better.

TreatmentsDrugs used to treat acute attacks and prevent future attacks include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Your doctor may prescribe a higher dose to stop an acute attack, followed by a lower daily dose to prevent future attacks.

Colchicine After an acute gout attack resolves, your doctor may prescribe a low daily dose of colchicine to prevent future attacks.

CorticosteroidsCorticosteroids are generally reserved for people who can't take either NSAIDs or colchicine. Side effects of corticosteroids may include mood changes, increased blood sugar levels and elevated blood pressure.

Recomendations• Consuming water• Not eating foods with high purine

content• Maintaining a daily exercise

routine• Getting adequate rest• Using heat packs and ice packs• Trying out specialized therapy

types offered at pain treatment centers

• Regularly taking medication• Keeping your body at a healthy

weight• Avoiding alcohol use• Foods with a high purine content

include asparagus, scallops, herring, gravy, mushrooms, liver, and sweetbreads. Attempting to follow these pain treatment steps should greatly improve the condition of gout and help to prevent future outbursts.

SOURCES http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/tc/gout-

symptoms  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-

conditions/gout/basics/treatment/con-20019400

http://casapalmera.com/symptoms-and-causes-of-gout/

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