Gout is a disease linked to an excess of uric acid in the blood.
Gout is an inflammatory condition. It is characterized by an excess of uric acid in the blood, a waste product naturally produced by the body, also called hyperuricemia. This excess leads to the formation of crystals and deposits in the joints, causing inflammation of the joints.
Gout usually affects men
Men are more commonly affected by gout. They are thus 4 times more numerous than women. The first attack of gout normally occurs around the age of 30 to 45 for men, after the menopause for women. A genetic factor also appears to be predominant, with some people with the disease having a family history.
The attack of gout often occurs in the middle of the night
Gout often comes on suddenly at night. It is indeed common to feel nothing at bedtime and to wake up with very significant pain during the night, most often in the big toe.
The attack of gout is extremely painful
Gout is manifested by intense pain associated with swelling, redness and great tenderness of the affected area. The pain is usually so severe that even the weight of the sheets on the foot remains intolerable. It may be accompanied by a mild fever and a feeling of general malaise.
Gout can affect all joints
Very often localized in the foot, precisely in the big toe, gout can affect all the joints. It is usually the lower limbs but the elbow can also suffer from gout, as can the joints of the hands.
Gout can also affect the kidneys
In 10 to 30% of cases, the kidneys are affected by gout. It is important to treat the disease quickly, as uric acid deposits in the kidneys can lead to interstitial nephropathy, which can progress to renal failure or high blood pressure.
Gout is a chronic and progressive disease
If left untreated, gout can get worse over time. It is therefore essential to treat it. Otherwise, it can become very debilitating and lead to permanent inflammation of the affected joints.
To fight against gout you must lower the level of uric acid in the blood.
When the uric acid level is below 360 µmol/L, the crystals are dissolved. It is therefore important to ensure that it is lowered. A healthy lifestyle, including Healthy eating and the regular practice of a sport, is essential. It is also recommended to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages. Consume dairy products could help to reduce seizures, as well as the consumption of a large quantity of liquid (water, tea, herbal teas, etc.) to help eliminate uric acid from the body. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs can finally calm the pain and inflammation associated with seizures. Some remedies can also help lower uric acid levels if you have frequent attacks