Gout and Hyperuricemia At A Glance
•Painful gouty arthritis is caused by uric-acid-crystal deposits in joint tissue.
•Gout is a chronic, progressive disease.
•The tendency to develop gout and elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is often inherited.
•Gout and hyperuricemia are aggravated by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, fructose in corn syrup found in soft drinks, abnormal kidney function, and certain medications.
•Gouty arthritis attacks can be precipitated by dehydration, injury, fever, heavy eating, heavy alcohol consumption, and recent trauma or surgery.
•The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids, and tissues.
•The treatment of an attack of gouty arthritis is different than the treatment of hyperuricemia. There are two key concepts essential to treating gout. First, it is critical to stop acute inflammation of joints affected by gouty arthritis. Second, it is important to address the long-term management of the gout disease in order to prevent future gout arthritis attacks and shrink gouty tophi crystal deposits.
credit: medicinenet.com
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