What is Gout?

About Gout:

• It is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone.
• Cause: It results from increased uric acid in blood serum.
• It occurs more often in men, primarily because women tend to have lower uric acid levels.
• Certain things can increase the body's levels of uric acid, which may lead to gout including:
  • Obesity, certain medicines, such as water pills (or diuretics), foods and drinks that are high in purines (a chemical compound that the body turns into uric acid) such as alcohol, sugary drinks etc.
• Symptoms
  • Intense joint pain: It usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers.
  • Inflammation and redness: The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.
• Treatment: Drugs such as allopurinol (Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric) help limit the amount of uric acid your body makes.