Gout
Gout
The severe and sudden development of inflammatory arthritis is known as gout. It is caused by uric acid accumulation in the blood.
Many people who have had one gout episode never have another. Others have chronic gout or recurrent bouts that become more frequent over time. Chronic gout can lead to more serious complications, particularly if left untreated.
Impact on everyday activities
Gout episodes typically occur at night and may cause you to awaken. Pain might sometimes prevent you from getting back asleep.
A lack of sleep can cause a number of problems, including:
- fatigue
- increased stress
- mood swings
If you have any concerns about gout or the problems it can occasionally bring, speak with your doctor. The discomfort of a gout attack can also make walking, housework, and other daily tasks difficult. Furthermore, the joint damage produced by recurrent gout episodes might result in lifelong disability.
Tophi
Tophi are urate crystal deposits that grow under the skin in situations of chronic gout, often known as tophaceous gout. Tophi are most commonly seen in the following areas of the body:
- hands
- feet
- wrists
- ankles
- ears
Tophi are hard lumps under the skin that are normally not unpleasant, unless they become inflamed and swollen during a gout episode.
Tophi may destroy the surrounding skin and tissues of the joints as they grow. This results in joint deterioration and, eventually, joint disintegration.
Joint deformity
If the underlying cause of gout is not addressed, acute bouts become more often. Inflammation generated by these attacks, as well as tophi formation, promotes joint tissue damage.
Gout-related arthritis can induce bone erosion and cartilage loss, resulting in joint damage.
Kidney stone
The same urate crystals that produce gouty symptoms can also develop in the kidneys. This can result in painful kidney stones.
Urate kidney stones with high amounts can impair renal function.
Kidney failure
Many patients who have gout also have chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to the National Kidney Foundation. This can sometimes lead to renal failure.
However, there is disagreement on whether underlying renal illness causes the elevated uric acid levels that induce gout symptoms.
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure are all risk factors for gout.
Other conditions
Gout is connected with the following medical conditions:
- Cataracts, or clouding of the eye's lens; this hinders vision;
- dry eye syndrome
- uric acid crystals in the lungs; this is an uncommon problem
Long-term Prospects
Most persons with gout can live a normal life if discovered early. Lowering your uric acid level can enhance joint function and resolve tophi if your condition has progressed.
Medication, as well as dietary and lifestyle adjustments, can help alleviate symptoms and lessen the frequency and severity of gout episodes.
