What is gout?

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What is gout?

Gout, also known as gout syndrome, is a chronic inflammatory arthritis disease caused by increased levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a natural waste product created when the body breaks down purines, a compound found in some foods .

In the case of gout, uric acid levels in the blood increase and form urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. Urate crystals cause inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints, often in the toes, especially the big toe.

Symptoms of gout often begin suddenly and often occur at night. Symptoms often include acute pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joints. The pain can last from a few hours to a few days and can make it difficult to move and use the joints.

In addition to pain and swelling in the joints, gout can also cause recurrent gout attacks, when urate crystals accumulate in tissues and cause tumors that affect various organs such as the kidneys and soft tissues. , and other joints.

The main cause of gout is an improper balance between the production of uric acid and the body’s ability to remove it. Many factors can contribute to the development of gout, including genetics, a purine-rich diet, alcohol consumption, obesity, kidney disease, and use of certain medications.

To diagnose and treat gout, you should consult a specialist. Your doctor may provide an assessment based on symptoms, blood tests to measure uric acid levels, and may order imaging tests such as ultrasound or X-rays to see the condition of the joints.

Causes of pen disease

Gout is mainly caused by increased levels of uric acid in the body and the formation of urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. However, the specific cause of increased uric acid may be linked to several factors:

1. Genetics: Genetics may play an important role in the development of gout. If someone in your family has had gout, the chance of getting gout will increase.
2. Purine-rich diet : Purine is a compound found in many foods , such as red meat, seafood, organ meats (e.g. liver and kidneys), beer and wine. When we consume more purines, the body produces more uric acid, contributing to increased uric acid levels in the blood.
3. Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can cause increased uric acid and inhibit the process of removing uric acid from the body. Consuming too much alcohol, especially beer and yeast, can increase the risk of gout.
4. Obesity: Obesity and high weight can increase the risk of gout. A larger amount of body fat can cause insulin resistance, increase uric acid levels and reduce the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid.
5. Kidney disease: Kidney disease can reduce the body’s ability to remove uric acid, causing increased uric acid levels in the blood and the possibility of gout.
6. Use of certain medications : Certain medications such as anticancer drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and diuretics can increase uric acid levels in the blood or reduce the ability to remove them. uric acid.

However, not everyone with high uric acid levels develops gout. Some people have high uric acid levels but do not experience symptoms or complications of gout. Other factors such as constitution and the interaction between the above factors can affect the development and appearance of gout.

Signs of gout

Signs of gout often begin suddenly and often occur in the joints of the toes, especially the big toe. Here are some main signs of gout:

1. Acute pain: An acute pain is the most common symptom of gout. Pain often appears suddenly, often at night or early in the morning. Pain may be described as extremely sharp, aching, or aching. Pain is concentrated in the toe joints, especially the knee and thumb joints.
2. Swelling : Joints affected in gout are often swollen and enlarged. The swelling is often accompanied by pain and is the result of urate crystal formation in the joint.
3. Red and hot : The affected joint often becomes red and may feel hot to the touch. This is a sign of inflammation in the joint.
4. Sensitivity : Joints affected in gout are often very sensitive and painful to contact or touch.
5. Recurrent attacks : After an initial gout attack, gout can recur. Recurrent attacks may occur after months or years and may last for several days or weeks.

In addition to joint symptoms, gout can also cause recurrent gout attacks, when urate crystals accumulate in tissues and cause tumors that affect various organs such as the kidneys, soft tissues, and organs. and other joints. These manifestations may include the appearance of lumps (tophi) under the skin, low back pain, kidney stones, and kidney problems.

If you suspect you have gout, you should consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Good foods for pen disease

When you have gout, adjusting your diet can help reduce symptoms and limit recurrence. Here are some foods that are beneficial for people with gout:

1. Drink enough water : Drink enough water every day (about 8-10 glasses) to help the body eliminate uric acid and prevent urate crystal formation.
2. Vegetables and fruits : Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help reduce uric acid reabsorption. Prioritize green vegetables such as kale, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and fruits such as cherries, pineapples, kiwis and pineapples.
3. Whole grains: Whole grains such as wheat, oats and barley are good food sources for gout. They are rich in fiber and can help regulate uric acid levels in the body.
4. Nuts and seeds : Chia seeds, flaxseeds and sunflower seeds are high in fiber and antioxidants. They can help reduce uric acid reabsorption.
5. Beans: Beans and bean products such as chickpeas, black beans and soybeans provide fiber and protein, and are lower in purines than red meat. This may help reduce the risk of increased uric acid levels.
6. Types of fish : Fish such as salmon, mackerel, carp and mackerel contain fewer purines than red meat. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and are beneficial for heart health .
7. Low-fat milk and dairy products: Low-fat milk and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and low-fat cheese may help reduce the risk of gout.

In addition to prioritizing the above foods , limiting consumption of purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, organs (liver and kidney), beer and alcohol is also an important part of the diet. for gout.

However, each person may have different reactions to foods , so you should consult a doctor or nutritionist for specific advice appropriate to your health condition.

Foods to avoid for penile disease

When you have gout, there are certain foods that should be limited or avoided to reduce the risk of recurrence and relieve symptoms. Here are some foods to avoid for gout:

1. Red meat : Red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, is high in purines, a substance that can form uric acid in the body. Consuming too much red meat can increase uric acid levels and cause gout attacks.
2. Seafood : Some seafood, such as shrimp, crab, oysters, squid and tuna, are also high in purines. Eating too much seafood can increase uric acid levels and cause gout attacks.
3. Carbonated soft drinks : Carbonated soft drinks, especially those containing fructose, can increase uric acid levels in the body. Consuming too much carbonated soft drinks can increase the risk of gout.
4. Beer and wine : Beer and wine, especially strong beer and spirits, contain purines and can increase uric acid levels in the body. Additionally, alcohol can also affect the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid.
5. Animal organs : Liver and kidney are animal organs that contain a lot of purines. Consuming too much animal organs can increase uric acid levels in the body.
6. Foods rich in fructose: Some foods rich in fructose, such as cane sugar, fruit sugar, honey and sweets, can increase uric acid levels. Limiting consumption of these foods may be helpful for people with gout.
7. Beans and bean products : While beans can be a good choice as part of a gout sufferer’s diet, some types of beans, such as black beans and kidney beans, also contain quite high amounts of purines. . Consuming too much of these beans can increase the risk of gout.

Note that each person may have different reactions to foods . You should consult with your doctor or nutritionist to find out the most suitable diet for your health condition.

Medicines to treat gout

There are several medications used to treat gout. Here are some of the main medications used:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain during gout attacks. They can help relieve symptoms and act quickly when used as soon as a gout attack begins.
2. Colchicine : Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat gout attacks. It works by preventing the formation and deposition of urate crystals in joints, reducing inflammation and pain. Colchicine is often used during the initial stages of a gout attack and may be taken in short-term dose volumes or taken daily to prevent recurrences.
3. Uric acid synthesis inhibitors (xanthine oxidase inhibitors): Allopurinol and febuxostat are two drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis through inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme. They help reduce uric acid levels in the body and reduce the risk of recurring gout attacks. Treatment with uric acid synthesis inhibitors is usually designed for long-term use.
4. Uric acid secreting agents (uricosuric agents): Probenecid and lesinurad are two drugs used to increase the secretion of uric acid through the kidneys. They help remove uric acid from the body and reduce the risk of recurring gout attacks. However, uric acid secreting medications are usually not recommended for people with kidney problems or diabetes.

In addition, in some severe cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids via injection or oral tablet form to reduce inflammation during a gout attack.

Most importantly, discuss with your doctor for advice and instructions on using the correct medication for your gout condition. Your doctor will consider your personal factors such as medical history, health status , and possible side effects from medications to create the most appropriate treatment regimen.

Oriental medicine and herbal medicine to treat gout

There are a number of oriental and herbal medicines used in traditional medicine to aid in the treatment of gout. However, the use of these medications should be thoroughly discussed and supervised by a physician or health professional with expertise in traditional medicine. Below are some common oriental and herbal medicines used in gout treatment:

1. Dai Fu Ling: Dai Fu Ling is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat the symptoms of gout. It reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and helps remove urate crystals from joints.
2. Eucommia : Eucommia is an herb that has the ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It can be used to reduce gout symptoms and support the treatment process.
3. Garlic : Garlic has been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support the immune system. It may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and is thought to reduce uric acid levels.
4. Turmeric and curcumin : Turmeric and curcumin, the main components of turmeric, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in gout.
5. Gotu kola: Gotu kola has the effect of reducing inflammation and pain. It may also help the body eliminate uric acid.
6. Cao gam: Cao gam is also an herb that effectively supports the treatment of gout

However, remember that the use of oriental and herbal medicines to treat gout should be discussed and supervised by a health professional knowledgeable in traditional medicine. Some oriental and herbal medicines can interact with current medications or can cause side effects if used in the wrong dosage or time.