What Is Gout?
Gout is actually a form of arthritis – an extremely painful one! When there is an excessive build up of uric acid in the blood stream gout is the result. If uric acid is allowed to build up in the body it crystallises to form needle shaped particles in the tissue and also in the joints. In more extreme cases the crystallised urate forms large lumps around the joints which can be seen under the skin these are known as tophi. Stones can also form in the kidneys.
Early Cartoon By James Gillray Depicting The Pain Of Gout
Most often joints in the feet particularly the big toe are affected first but as this disease progresses it can affect any of the other joints in the body. The affected area becomes inflamed and very painful and is often red and hot to the touch. Many a nights sleep is lost by regular gout sufferers as evening is the most common time for attacks to occur.
That answered the origional question What is Gout? However did you know that there are actually four stages to this crippling disease?
Stage 1: Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia – At this stage there are no painful symptoms. This simply means that the levels of uric acid in the blood stream are elevated, possibly indicting that the kidney function is not as it should be and the uric acid waste is not being removed in the urine. Treatment is necessary at this stage to prevent the uric acid crystallising. However, there is a high chance that the patient at this point may be unaware that they have any problem.
Stage 2: Acute Gouty Arthritis – It is at this stage that most suffers first realise they do have a problem. The uric acid begins to form crystals and the first attack of pain and swelling occurs. It is really important that treatment is sought when this happens. If the gout is left untreated it can remain painful for weeks. Over time the occurrence will become more frequent and prolonged and symptoms more severe.
Stage 3: Inter critical Gout – At this point the symptoms appear to subside. However, this is not because the problem has gone away. There are no symptoms because the immune system is preparing itself to attack the next batch of urate crystals. This is the critical stage for getting treatment. If treatment is not sought now the gout can be very difficult to bring under control.
Stage 4: Chronic Gout - This is where things really begin to get nasty. By this stage there is most certainly permanent damage to affected joints and possibly the kidneys. Joints can be destroyed and the incessant, intense pain becomes a real disability. The worst case scenario is that the patient suffers kidney failure and the result could sadly be death.
As you can see gout is a disease that will not just go away. Treatment at the earliest possible stage is essential. If you suspect you have any symptoms you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
