Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Normal circumstances will see purines, which are natural components of many foods, converted into UA and then excreted. UA can be produced in excess or the body has trouble getting rid of it quickly enough. Gout can occur in three stages. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is the first stage. This means that the body has too many UA. The blood UA level is high. The patient does not have any symptoms. UA builds up in the body’s tissues during this time.
Gout Symptoms
Gout symptoms may never occur. This condition can also be caused by other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and overweight. If the condition continues for a long time, the patient may enter the acute gout phase. Gouty arthritis can cause severe and painful attacks. The pain is usually felt in the feet and ankles. The pain can be so severe that the patient may not be able to support the weight of a sheet over the affected area. The patient will be symptom-free until the next attack, once the acute attack has passed.
The second attack and subsequent attacks might not occur for several months or even years. Advanced gout, where acute flares are common, is the last stage of gout. Acute attacks can be painful for longer periods of time. UA builds up in the joints and under your skin.
Tophi
These are called tophi. These deposits are called tophi. However, they may be obvious due to their location. Other deposits of UA may not be as visible in internal organs. These invisible deposits can cause complications such as kidney disease. Gout treatment at each stage can be complicated.
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia can be treated, but only if the blood UA level exceeds normal. Things change once an acute attack occurs. The treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the UA burden. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or colchicine are used to treat acute attacks.
Remember
Sometimes steroids may be given orally or directly to patients with kidney problems to reduce side effects from anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine. Acute attacks are best avoided as they can make the attack worse. After the acute attack has been successfully treated, the patient can begin UA lowering medication. The goal is to keep blood UA below 6.0 mg/dl.