Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis that affects people all over the world. However, unlike other types of chronic arthritis, gout can be cured.
Gout occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. It is worth noting that all people have a small amount of uric acid in their blood, but when its level rises to a critical level, it can lead to the development of gout.
Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down special substances called purines. Most uric acid dissolves in the blood and travels to the kidneys, where it is excreted in urine. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or if the process of eliminating it is slow, its levels can become critically high.
Warning
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The author is not a doctor and does not recommend self-medication or using unproven treatment methods. I remind you that contacting a doctor and following the recommendations of evidence-based medicine are the only correct solution in the fight against various diseases.
Additional sources of information used to write the article will be indicated in the pinned comment. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]
In some cases, the exact cause of hyperuricemia remains unknown. Hyperuricemia is a condition in which there is too much uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). When levels exceed 7 mg/dL, uric acid can build up in the body, forming crystals that settle in joints and soft tissues, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
During an attack of gout, the affected joint becomes very painful, tender, red, hot and swollen.
There are many factors, both medical and non-medical, that can increase the risk of developing hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis.
However, two most significant aspects - age and gender - play a decisive role in the occurrence of these diseases.
Age and gender
Gout is traditionally considered a male disease, as it occurs approximately four times more often in men than in women. Gout can affect people of any age, but the risk of developing it increases with age.
Women rarely develop gout before menopause because the female sex hormone estrogen acts as a protective factor by increasing the kidneys' excretion of uric acid. During reproductive years, when estrogen levels are high enough to ensure effective excretion of uric acid, gout is uncommon.
However, after menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, the ovaries produce significantly less estrogen. The decrease in estrogen can lead to increased uric acid levels, which increases a woman's risk of developing gout.
Regardless of gender, gout most often occurs in people over 65 years of age.
Heredity
Heredity is an important factor in the development of gout. Research shows that gout often runs in families. Certain genes, such as SLC2A9 and ABCG2, can affect kidney function and increase the risk of gout. These genes can make the body more vulnerable to the accumulation of uric acid, which in turn can lead to the development of gout.
Overweight
Gout is a common condition that most often affects people who are overweight or obese. The more weight you have, the more insulin your pancreatic cells produce. Excess insulin makes it difficult for your kidneys to remove uric acid, causing it to accumulate in your blood and increasing your risk of developing gout.
Research shows that obese people are four times more likely to develop gout than those of normal weight. Being overweight slows the kidneys' ability to remove uric acid, which can lead to its buildup and the development of gout.
Hypertension
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common comorbidity with gout. Research shows that hypertension can significantly increase the risk of developing gout.
Hypertension can impair renal blood flow and increase vascular resistance in the kidneys, which in turn makes it more difficult for the kidneys to remove uric acid. The accumulation of uric acid in the body leads to more frequent attacks of gout in patients with hypertension.
Many drugs used to lower blood pressure, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can also reduce uric acid excretion.
Besides
Conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high lipid levels (hyperlipidemia), hypertension, and a history of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and cause gouty arthritis.
In general, conditions that cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, are associated with gout.
Food and drinks
Finally, it should be noted that certain foods and drinks can worsen gout symptoms and trigger attacks. These include alcoholic beverages, especially beer, as well as liver, kidneys, and red meat, which contain large amounts of purines. In addition, it is worth avoiding carbonated drinks with sweet syrup, as their high fructose content can also trigger an attack.
Conclusion
Gout is a serious and widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide. A thorough understanding of its mechanisms and causes allows us to realize the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Key aspects of gout prevention and prevention of its exacerbations are control of uric acid levels in the blood and prevention of its increase. However, thanks to modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods, gout can not only be controlled, but also completely cured.
Being aware of the risk factors, how to manage them, and the importance of regular medical checkups can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing gout. We can all take an active role in maintaining our health, which will help us avoid suffering from this painful condition.
A combination of a healthy lifestyle, dietary adjustments, and medical intervention creates a reliable defense against gout. Knowledge about the disease becomes a powerful tool in the hands of every person striving for a life without the pain and limitations associated with gout.
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