Features

• What are the symptoms of gout?
  
  Pain
  Swelling
  Redness
  Stiffness
  
  Gout may be accompanied by a warm sensation over the affected joint. A mild fever may also be present. The skin over and around the affected area may become tight and develop a red, shiny appearance. Gout often occurs in the middle of the night and the individual is awakened by the sudden painful attack.
  
  

Risk Factors

• There are several factors that may indicate a person is at risk of developing gout.
  
  Heredity (If family members have had gout you may be at an increased risk.)
  Male
  Obesity
  Thyroid condition
  Advanced age
  Organ transplant recipient
  Medication such as diuretics or aspirin
  Illness such as lekemia, heart disease, lymphoma
  Alcohol consumption
  
  

Identification

• Diagnosis is made through medical history, physical examination and testing. Tests normally include blood tests to determine whether a high level of uric acid is present in the blood. A urine test may also be done to determine the amount of uric acid in the urine. A sample of joint fluid may be necessary to detect whether uric acid crystals are present in the joints.
  
  

Function

• An attack of gout can last anywhere from a day to a week or longer. An attack of gout often subsides on its own with no treatment and may not recur for weeks, months or even years. Treatment usually consists of medication such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain and swelling associated with gout.
  
  

Effects

• Making a few lifestyle changes can help alleviate the discomfort of gout and perhaps prevent recurring attacks. It is important to eat a healthy diet, exercise and drink plenty of water, as dehydration can trigger an attack of gout. Avoid eating excess amounts of foods that are high in purines such as red meat, beans, peas and seafood.
  
  

Significance

• If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss program, as excess weight can aggravate gout. Limit alcohol consumption, especially beer, which contains high levels of yeast . Yeast contains high levels of purines, which can cause an increased buildup of uric acid in the body. A few small modifications in lifestyle can help alleviate the pain of gout.