By Dr. Fowad Shahzad Warraich

What is Gout?

Gout is a very common type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in your joints and other very serious symptoms. Gout is also known as Hyperuricemia, and it occurs when there is too much Uric acid in your body that your kidney isn’t able to process. If you or anyone you know is suffering from Gout, then you should visit a Gout clinic and get treatment as soon as possible.

What is the difference between acute and chronic Gout?

There are a few key differences between acute and chronic gout. With acute Gout, only a few of your joints will be affected. Also, you will only feel the symptoms for a few days to a week. And the symptoms will only be felt during an attack, also known as a flare-up.

Chronic Gout, on the other hand, is more severe. A person with chronic Gout will have two, three, or more attacks of Gout every year. And they will feel the symptoms for a continued duration with only short breaks between the symptoms. People with Chronic Gout will also feel the symptoms in many joints.

What are the risk factors associated with Gout?

Gout has been linked with several risk factors such as a diet consisting of a high amount of shellfish and red meat can lead to increased production of Uric acid. Being overweight also has its risks since your body produces more Uric acid. Genetics also play a factor, so if a family member has had Gout, you have the likelihood of getting it too. Gout also is found more often in men, as they inherently have higher Uric acid content, and it will most likely occur between the ages of 30 and 50. Certain diseases and medication can also affect the likelihood of getting Gout.

What kind of health risks are associated with Gout?

There have been many health risks associated with Gout such as kidney stones and kidney disease, which can become a serious issue. Gout can also result in kidney failure, which is why it is recommended to visit a Gout clinic as soon as possible.

There are other complications like psychological problems that can persist after suffering from chronic Gout. Joint issues and deformities can occur after suffering from Gout. And in some rare cases, Tophi can occur. This is when Urate crystals harden beneath the skin. The hardening of these Urate crystals usually happens on the joints or cartilage and can lead to severe damage if left untreated.