Many people often take gout lightly because its symptoms come and go. However, if left untreated, gout can cause serious complications and impair quality of life. This article will comprehensively discuss gout, its causes, symptoms, and how to prevent and treat it.
What is Uric Acid?
Gout is a condition caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals form from the metabolism of purines, natural substances found in foods such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and alcoholic beverages. When uric acid levels in the blood are too high (hyperuricemia), the body has difficulty excreting it through urine, and it eventually becomes deposited in the joints.
Who is at risk?
Gout can affect anyone, but several risk factors increase a person's chances of developing this disease, including:
- Gender : Men are more susceptible to gout than women, especially those aged 30–50. Women are more at risk after menopause.
- Heredity : A family history of gout increases the risk.
- High purine diet : Excessive consumption of red meat, offal, and seafood.
- Obesity : Excess body weight disrupts purine metabolism and worsens uric acid excretion.
- Consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks : Alcohol and high-fructose drinks increase uric acid levels.
- Certain diseases : Hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and other metabolic disorders can trigger gout.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout symptoms can appear suddenly, often at night. Some common symptoms include:
- Severe joint pain : Usually starts in the big toe, but can affect the knees, ankles, hands, and elbows.
- Swelling and redness : The joint becomes swollen, red, warm, and very painful.
- Limited movement : Due to pain and swelling, sufferers have difficulty moving their joints.
- Recurring pain : If left untreated, pain can recur and become more frequent.
Complications If Left Untreated
Ignoring gout can cause serious complications, including:
- Tophi : Clumps of uric acid crystals that accumulate under the skin and look like hard lumps, usually on the fingers, elbows, or ears.
- Permanent joint damage : Repeated gout attacks can permanently damage joints.
- Kidney stones : Uric acid crystals can form stones in the kidneys and cause severe pain and impaired kidney function.
- Kidney failure : Continuously high uric acid levels can make the kidneys work harder and cause permanent damage.
Diagnosis of Gout
Doctors usually diagnose gout based on:
- History of symptoms : Such as sudden joint pain, attack pattern, and location of pain.
- Physical examination : Check for painful joints, swelling, and signs of inflammation.
- Laboratory tests :
- Examination of uric acid levels in the blood.
- Joint fluid analysis to detect uric acid crystals.
- Kidney and urine function tests.
Gout Treatment
Treatment for gout involves medication, lifestyle changes, and long-term prevention.
1. Medical Treatment
- Pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication
- Uric acid lowering drugs
2. Changes in Diet
- Reduce consumption of foods high in purines such as offal, red meat, and seafood.
- Avoid alcohol, especially beer.
- Limit sugary drinks and soda.
- Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Choose complex carbohydrates like brown rice and whole wheat.
- Drink plenty of water (2–3 liters per day) to help excrete uric acid through urine.
3. Lifestyle Changes
- Lose weight if you're obese. Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower uric acid levels.
- Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to maintain metabolism.
- Manage stress because stress can trigger gout attacks.
- Avoid extreme fasting and crash diets as they can increase uric acid production.
Gout Prevention
Prevention is better than cure. Some effective preventive measures include:
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
- Monitor uric acid levels regularly, especially if you have a family history.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and foods that trigger gout.
- Maintain body hydration so that uric acid is more easily excreted through urine.
- Regular consultation with a doctor, especially if you have comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disorders.
This article was written by Dr. Patriotika Ismail, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).