Gout
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Gout and Diet
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
Gout
is a disease that results when crystals of uric acid form in tissues of
the body. Gout is characterized by an overload of uric acid in the body and
recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis). Chronic gout can lead
not only arthritis, but hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased
kidney function, and kidney stones. Gouty arthritis
is usually an extremely painful attack with a rapid onset of joint inflammation.
The inflammation is precipitated by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the
lining of the joint (synovial lining) and
the fluid within the joint. Intense joint inflammation occurs when white blood cells engulf the crystals of
uric acid and release chemicals that promote inflammation. The resulting inflammation causes pain, heat, and redness of the joint.
Gout Overview
Gout is a condition characterized by an abnormal metabolism of uric acid. People with gout either produce too much uric acid, or more commonly, their bodies have a problem in removing it. There are a number of possible consequences of this buildup of uric acid in the body, including acute and chronic gouty arthritis, kidney stones, and deposits of uric acid (tophi) in the skin and other tissues. Gout may occur alone (primary gout) or may be associated with other medical conditions or medications (secondary gout).
Gouty arthritis is considered in people who have a sudden onset of a hot, red, swollen joint. It is diagnosed by detecting uric acid (monosodium urate) crystals in the joint fluid. These crystals can accumulate over the years in the joint and trigger repeated bouts of inflammation. Repeated "attacks" of gouty arthritis can damage the joint and lead to chronic arthritis. Fortunately, there are effective medications to treat gout.
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Gout »
Gout is a common disorder of uric acid metabolism that can lead to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in soft tissue, recurrent episodes of debilitating joint inflammation, and, if untreated, joint destruction and renal damage.
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