Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Gout. Let’s dive in!
Is Gout No Longer Just a Middle-Aged Issue?
Gout is commonly thought of as a disease that mostly affects middle-aged men, but recently, the age group developing gout has shifted to people in their 20s and 30s.
Many young people are either unaware of gout or don’t pay much attention to it, which means they might not receive proper treatment in time even if symptoms appear.
If treatment begins early, one can live a healthy life without recurrence. However, if ignored, gout can lead to lifelong pain and complications, so it’s important to keep prevention and treatment in mind.
Definition and Causes of Gout
Gout is a condition caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down purines, which are chemical compounds made up of pyrimidines and imidazoles. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted through the kidneys in urine. However, when too much is produced or the body has trouble excreting it, uric acid accumulates and causes gout.
People with high levels of uric acid in their blood may develop gout more easily if they frequently overeat or consume large amounts of alcohol.
Overexercising, high stress levels, and fatigue can also increase uric acid levels and raise the risk of developing gout. Genetics play a role too—around 30–40% of gout patients have a family history. So, if a family member has gout or your own uric acid level is high, it’s a good idea to get a blood test to check your levels.
Main Symptoms of Gout
Gout usually appears as inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues.
At first, there may be no symptoms. Then the joint area becomes red, swollen, and painful. About 90% of gout patients feel pain in the big toe, but the pain can also affect the ankles, knees, and top of the feet. Some people experience recurring flare-ups every few weeks, while others may have milder but long-lasting symptoms. In some cases, the pain may affect multiple joints.
When Gout Occurs
When gout is diagnosed, treatment focuses on preventing uric acid buildup and helping excrete it through urine. For this, patients usually take uric acid-lowering medications.
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Even if uric acid levels return to normal and symptoms disappear, recurrence is common. That’s why specialists recommend continuing medication if there are no side effects. Patients with other underlying health conditions should also get regular blood tests to monitor their liver and kidney function while taking these medications.
If you already have gout, avoid putting pressure on the affected joints.
Wear comfortable shoes during flare-ups, and try to elevate the painful area using pillows or cushions. Avoid hot or cold compresses—heat can worsen inflammation, and cold can cause more uric acid to settle in the joint. Gout can also lead to other metabolic diseases depending on your health status, so it’s essential to consult with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.
How to Prevent Gout
To prevent gout or keep symptoms from worsening, watching what you eat is critical.
Eating foods low in purines is the top priority. Avoid meats, organ meats, high-fructose corn syrup, and sugary drinks. Fish such as mackerel and herring are also high in purines and should be consumed with caution. Shrimp and shellfish intake should also be reduced.
Avoid alcohol, overeating, smoking, and intense exercise.
Alcohol not only increases uric acid production but also inhibits its excretion through urine. Beer, in particular, contains high levels of purines and should be avoided altogether. Experts recommend eating foods with very low purine content, such as rice, barley, wheat, buckwheat, seaweed like kelp and laver, and plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
