What is Gout?
Gout is actually a very old medical condition, dating back thousands of years. People noticed the symptoms and effects of gout thousands of years ago. Historical records contain information describing the symptoms and signs of gout during the time of the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, and the Roman Empire.
Hippocrates called gout “podagra” and stated that the disease was associated with painful swelling in the joints. During the Middle Ages, gout was often associated with wealth and was known as the “disease of the rich” because those affected were often described as consuming high protein and rich foods.
With the advancement of medicine, greater understanding has been gained regarding the origin and treatment of gout. Gout is a metabolic condition caused by increased levels of uric acid in the body and has been linked to various factors such as nutrition, genetic factors and lifestyle.
Modern medicine has developed advanced treatments and medications to better understand and treat gout. The history of gout has progressed in parallel with the evolution of medical science and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
What are the symptoms of gout disease?
The first symptoms of gout are usually sudden onset of severe pain and swelling. Usually the disease begins in the joint around the big toe. These pain attacks usually begin at night or early in the morning and are characterized by severe pain, swelling, redness and tenderness. Gout attacks occur suddenly and sometimes reach their peak within a few hours. The pain is often severe and the patient can make the joint very painful with even light contact. In addition to these symptoms, fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of discomfort may also occur during gout attacks. These symptoms often become more frequent and severe as the disease progresses. However, the symptoms of gout may vary from person to person, and following any attack, the symptoms may disappear for a certain period of time. In the long term, gout can cause joint damage, the buildup of petrified uric acid crystals, and the formation of kidney stones.
How is Gout Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of gout is usually made by a doctor through evaluation of signs and symptoms. Diagnosis may often include these steps:
Evaluation of Symptoms: The doctor begins by listening to the patient’s symptoms. Details such as severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and how often and for how long these symptoms have been present are taken into consideration.
Physical Examination: The doctor examines the affected joints and checks for physical findings such as swelling, redness, or tenderness.
Blood Tests: Blood tests are often helpful in diagnosing gout. It is specifically used to measure blood uric acid levels. High uric acid levels can be an indicator for gout, but sometimes high uric acid levels do not always mean gout.
Joint Fluid Analysis: In doubtful cases, the fluid in an affected joint can be sampled and examined. If uric acid crystals are present in this analysis, the presence of gout can be confirmed.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as radiographs or ultrasound, may be used to evaluate joint damage or crystal buildup from gout.
The physician diagnoses gout using a combination of symptoms, test results, and physical examination. These steps in the diagnostic process help diagnose the disease and create an appropriate treatment plan. The diagnostic process may differ for each patient, so it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
How to Treat Gout?
Painkillers and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: They can be used to relieve pain and inflammation during gout attacks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids are often prescribed for this purpose.
Uric Acid Medications: These medications help reduce uric acid levels in the body. Medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat can reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks by reducing uric acid levels.
Anti-Inflammation Medications: Medications such as colchicine can be used to reduce inflammation at the beginning of gout attacks and in severe cases.
Prophylactic Treatment Medications: There are also medications used to prevent gout attacks in people with chronic gout disease. For example, medications that lower uric acid levels, such as allopurinol, may be prescribed for long-term use.
Effective Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Diet and lifestyle changes are also recommended along with medications in the treatment of gout. This may include factors such as avoiding foods high in purine, avoiding alcohol, drinking enough water, and maintaining an ideal weight.