Wikipedia:VideoWiki/Gout

__NOTALK__

Definition
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a single red, tender, hot, and swollen joint.

Symptoms 1
Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intensity in less than twelve hours. The joint at the base of the big toe is affected in half of cases.

Symptoms 2
It may also result in tophi, kidney stones, or urate nephropathy.

Cause 1
Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.

Cause 2
This occurs from a combination of diet, other health problems, and genetic factors. At high levels, uric acid crystallizes and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout.

Cause 3
Gout occurs more commonly in those who regularly eat meat or seafood, drink beer, or are overweight.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis may be confirmed by the presence of crystals in the joint fluid or in a deposit outside the joint. Blood uric acid levels may be normal during an attack.

Treatment
Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or colchicine improves symptoms.

Prevention
Once the acute attack resolves, levels of uric acid can be lowered via lifestyle changes or allopurinol. Taking vitamin C and eating a diet high in low-fat dairy products may be preventive.

Epidemiology 1
Gout affects about 1 to 2% of the Western population at some point in their lives. It has become more common in recent decades.

Epidemiology 2
Older males are most commonly affected.

History
Gout was historically known as "the disease of kings" or "rich man's disease" and has been recognized since at least the time of the ancient Egyptians.