Gout is an inflammatory disease that results from uric acid deposits in the joints and surrounding tissues. Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in all human tissues and in many foods. Normally, it dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys and out of the body in the form of urine. But uric acid builds up in the blood of people with gout, because either their body is making too much uric acid or their kidneys are not eliminating enough of it. In this condition, called hyperuricemia (hi-per-yur-eh-SEE-me-ah), the uric acid forms sharp crystals that collect in the joints and in tissues around the joints. The crystals also sometimes build up in the kidneys, causing kidney stones. Hyperuricemia, which occurs more often in men than in women and most often in middle age, may run in families.
Other situations that may contribute to gout include having high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels; being overweight; abusing alcohol (especially beer and red wine); using certain drugs (particularly diuretics, or "water pills," and aspirin); and eating foods high in purines. Such foods include liver, dried beans, peas, anchovies, herring, mackerel, and meat gravies.
Most of the time, gout first causes pain in the big toe, but it can also affect the instep of the foot, heels, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Gout can be extremely painful, causing joints to swell and become warm and tender.
Attacks of gout usually come on suddenly, typically at night after a stressful day, alcohol or drug use, or another illness. In the early stages of gout, attacks may occur every few months or years and last 3 to 10 days, but in the later stages, attacks usually occur more often and last longer. If left untreated over years, the disease can cause permanent damage to joints and kidneys.
For more information on gout:
American College of Rheumatology
http://www.rheumatology.org
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org
2006-10-21 17:01:41
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answer #1
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answered by Sam 2
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2016-09-17 00:44:35
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answer #2
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answered by ? 3
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2016-12-25 16:31:55
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Gout is the inflamation around joints. Your, hands "knuckes", ankles. It was considered the disease of rich men.
Gout can be handled by a correct diet and medication. Red wines, rich red meats should be avoided.
Gout is very painful.
2006-10-21 16:59:10
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answer #4
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answered by meandstormy@sbcglobal.net 1
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2014-08-20 14:32:13
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Gout refers to higher than normal amounts of uric acid in the body which may cause swelling and pain to certain extremities. It was once considered to be from indulging in rich cuisine and was seen as an affliction of the wealthy classes.
2006-10-21 16:54:25
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answer #6
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answered by Deirdre O 7
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Gout is a painful and deforming condition where uric acid builds up in certain locations in the body, like the joints-- often seen in toe joints.
2006-10-21 16:54:14
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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The medical term as well as common term is Gout.It is classified under 'crystal arthropathy' as uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints.Sometimes referred to as hyperuricemia[excess uric acid]
2006-10-21 17:22:10
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answer #8
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answered by doc 3
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2017-03-05 04:38:14
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answer #9
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answered by ? 3
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gout
2006-10-21 16:52:23
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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