Gout - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood, leading to sudden, severe attacks of joint pain, swelling, and redness, most often in the big toe.
Overview
Gout affects approximately 0.12-0.6% of the Indian population and is more common in men. The incidence is rising due to changes in diet and lifestyle.
Gout occurs in flares that can be extremely painful. Between flares, the condition can be well managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Untreated chronic gout can lead to joint damage and kidney stones.
Symptoms of Gout
- Joint PainPrimary
Joint pain is discomfort, ache, or soreness in any of the body's joints. It can be caused by injury, arthritis, infections, or other conditions affecting the joints.
- SwellingPrimary
Swelling (edema) is the enlargement of body parts caused by fluid accumulation in tissues. It can occur in any part of the body but commonly affects feet, ankles, legs, and hands.
- Fever
Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually above 100.4°F (38°C). It is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness.
Causes of Gout
Excess uric acid production
Reduced uric acid excretion by kidneys
High-purine diet (red meat, organ meats, shellfish)
Excessive alcohol consumption (especially beer)
Obesity
Certain medications (diuretics, low-dose aspirin)
Kidney disease
Genetic factors
Treatment for Gout
NSAIDs for acute flares (indomethacin, naproxen)
Colchicine
Corticosteroids
Urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat)
Uricosuric agents (probenecid)
Dietary modifications
Weight management
Adequate hydration
Prevention
Limit purine-rich foods (red meat, organ meats, shellfish)
Avoid alcohol, especially beer
Stay well hydrated
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat low-fat dairy products (may reduce risk)
Limit sugary drinks and fructose
Exercise regularly
Risk Factors
Male sex
Obesity
High-purine diet
Alcohol consumption
Family history of gout
Kidney disease
Certain medications (diuretics)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
When to See a Doctor
See a rheumatologist if you experience sudden, intense joint pain (especially in the big toe), swelling and redness of a joint, or if you have recurrent gout attacks. Seek immediate care if you have joint pain with fever.
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Which Doctor to Consult for Gout
If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, you may want to consult a specialist in one of these areas:
Related Conditions
These conditions share similar symptoms with gout and may be relevant:
Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing high fever, severe headache, body aches, and in severe cases, potentially life-threatening bleeding and shock.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a group of conditions involving inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling that can worsen with age.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, causing nasal congestion, facial pain, and thick nasal discharge.
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