Are you suffering from gout and are on the lookout for means to cure the same? However, before embarking on this route, you need to know a bit more about gout and its causes. It is a medical condition, which is generally characterized by recurring attacks of extreme inflammatory arthritis. This particular ailment, which is non-contagious, is generally caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid crystallizes and gets deposited in tendons, joints, plus surrounding tissues. Gout of the big toe is also known as podagra.
The Main Cause For Gouts
Uric acid is generated in our body when the food we eat metabolizes. A small percentage of individuals generate an excessive amount of uric acid and this result in the formation of gouts. Then there are individuals who do not have the capabilities to drain out their accumulated uric acid through urine, and they are also a key target of gout. Apart from these causes, nutrition, gender, and genetics also play a major role in the formation of gouts. Might not know it, but risk of gout is also increased amongst those who consume too much of alcoholic beverages, especially beer. It has often been observed that men fall prey to gout at an earlier age when compared to women.
As we have already mentioned above, an increase in the levels of uric acid is primarily responsible for the formation of gouts. The amount of uric acid in males increases during puberty and the same occurs in women during menopause. It is due to this reason that men are affected with gouts at an earlier age than women. Numerous other cases lead to gout and they include trauma, dehydration and starvation, chemotherapy, and certain medications. Genetics as well as age also plays a part in the cause for gouts.
Causes For Gout – What You Should Do?
If you are overweight, it is high time that you planned to reduce your weight because being overweight also enhances the risk of gouts. If you are working in an environment where there is too much of exposure to lead, then this can also lead to gouts. You need not worry in case you are suffering from this ailment, because there are various medications available for the same. These medications help reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood, thereby decreasing gout. It is advisable that you consult a physician soonest possible and take their advice. You should not attempt to take over the counter medications, because, as discussed above, certain medications also enhance gouts.
You should also remember that increased levels of blood uric acid, apart from causing gouts, could also damage your kidneys. So, how do you know whether you are suffering from gout? The commonest manifestation of this particular condition is acute pain and inflammation of a joint. This is due to the factor that the uric acid accumulates as crystals in that joint, thereby restricting its free movement. You should also control your diet and avoid foods that contain yeast, meat gravy, sardines, mussels, and herring.