Gout Attacks - The Cause and Symptoms

By Alvin Hopkinson

In the United States alone, approximately 2 million people suffer from gout attacks. Gout is often referred to as an extremely painful form of arthritis that affects the joints, tendons, and other bodily tissues. 'Gouty arthritis' predominately attacks males after puberty, with a peak age of 75. Women who are post- menopausal and/or hypertensive may also suffer from gout. Gout often develops as the result of hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia is the development of elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. High concentration of uric acid in the body is potentially dangerous as it can lead to kidney stones and/or kidney failure. People who suffer with gout attacks generally consume foods that are rich in the chemical called purine. The purines are broken down into uric acid which is normally excreted by the kidney and through the urine.

However, too much uric acid in the body causes the kidney to malfunction. The uric acid eventually forms hard crystals that deposits in the joints and around the tissues causing inflammation and severe pain in the taunted area. More so, chronic gout usually leads to tophi or hard lumps of uric acid under the skin and around the joints; causing decreased kidney function or kidney failure.

There are several risks factors that may induce the development of gout. In addition to the fact that gout is known to be inherited, other risks factors that contribute to the painful attack experience include obesity, heavy alcohol intake and high blood pressure.

Certain medications that are prescribed for hypertensive patients cause the body to produce high levels of uric acid. Any man or woman who is at risk of developing gout must implement a daily healthy life- style to deter future attacks. A healthy life- style generally consists of a daily exercise regimen as well as a low- purine diet.

People who have experienced gout attacks endure a series of symptoms that may reoccur if the condition is not treated. Unfortunately, symptoms of gout are sudden and intense. The affected area is a single joint that begins to throb during the night. An initial attack usually occurs in the big toe, yet it is known to also affect the fingers, knees, elbows, ankles or feet.

Again, the attack is sudden and it displays redness, warmth, tenderness, tightness and sharp pain. The area is inflamed and some victims may even experience chills and fever. The symptoms may last up to three days and reoccur months or years later. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately. If left untreated, gout attacks may lead to extreme tissue and/or organ damage.

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