Gout is a medical condition that usually presents with recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis (red, tender, hot, swollen joint). It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and deposits in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Gout affects 1% of Western populations at some point in their lives.[1] Treatment with NSAIDs, steroids, or colchicine improves symptoms. Once the acute attack has subsided, levels of uric acid are usually lowered via lifestyle changes and long term prevention with allopurinol.[1] Historically, it was known as "the disease of kings"[2] or "rich man's disease".[3]
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Gout
Gout is a medical condition that usually presents with recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis (red, tender, hot, swollen joint). It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and deposits in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Gout affects 1% of Western populations at some point in their lives.[1] Treatment with NSAIDs, steroids, or colchicine improves symptoms. Once the acute attack has subsided, levels of uric acid are usually lowered via lifestyle changes and long term prevention with allopurinol.[1] Historically, it was known as "the disease of kings"[2] or "rich man's disease".[3]
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