what is gout?

Answer 1

Great answers, but no one mentioned ALCOHOL being a major cause of gout attacks. Just wanted to throw that in.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Simply put Gout is the build up of uric acid crystals in joints, most commonly the big toe, but can attack any joint in the body. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down protein and leaves us uric acid as a by-product. The problem occurs either by the bodies inability to excrete it properly or too much is produced. Foods high if protein such as red meat, gravy, organ meats (liver), or other "rich" foods, will elevate uric acid levels and may lead to a gout attack. The pain is excruciating and often begins during the night when the circulation is not as good as during the day giving the uric acid crystals a chance to accumulate around a joint. The joint will become swollen, red and warm to the touch. Just the touch of the covers is too much to bear. Treatment will often involve a trip to the ER because waiting for morning and a trip to the doc seems like waiting for Christmas in July. Strong anti-inflammatory such as Indocin and maybe steroids are needed.Colchicine is a drug used for hundreds of years to break down the uric acid, but the side effects are pretty bad. Pain medication (narcotic) is usually prescribed for a short period (1-2days) of time. The acute stage is passed fairly quickly. Medication to stop the build up of acid called allopurinal is usually prescribed to take after the attack to prevent future hell.

Answer 4

Gout is a condition caused by an over-rich diet. Excessive proteins, fats and salt in the diet cause vesicles in the joints which cause friction and abraision, and result in painful joints and poor mobility. In its early stages, it is entirely reversible by reverting to a sensible diet.

Answer 5

What is gout and hyperuricemia?
Gout is condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing 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 to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones.

Gout has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. It is often related to an inherited abnormality in the body's ability to process uric acid. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines, that are part of many foods we eat. An abnormality in handling uric acid can cause attacks of painful arthritis (gout attack), kidney stones, and blockage of the kidney filtering tubules with uric acid crystals, leading to kidney failure. On the other hand, some patients may only develop elevated blood uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) without having arthritis or kidney problems. The term "gout" commonly is used to refer to the painful arthritis attacks.

Gouty arthritis is usually an extremely painful attack with a rapid onset of joint inflammation. The joint inflammation is precipitated by deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) and joint lining (synovial lining). Intense joint inflammation occurs as white blood cells engulf the uric acid crystals and release chemicals of inflammation, causing pain, heat, and redness of the joint tissues.
VR

Answer 6

It's a form of arthritis that usually affects the joints. Most commonly in the feet.

Answer 7

It is a pain in the joints. Usally starts in the knee area.

Answer 8

Acondition caused by eating too much red meat or rich foods.

Answer 9

it is a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint...caused from eating foods rich in purines...whole wheat bread, brown beans, organ meats, etc