Increasing Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gout

946 Words2 Pages

Introduction:
Gout is a type of inflammatory Arthritis and is the most common form, it typically results from genetic and environmental factors. Evidence suggests that cases of Gout are getting increasingly more common, and that numbers have continued to grow in recent decades. Currently Gout affects approximately every one and two in every 100. Approximately 1 in 40 people in the UK are affected. While Gout is more prevalent in men, women can also be affected. It typically affects men over thirty and women after the menopause. There is a more equal distribution among the sexes in elderly patients however (Epidemiology, risk factors, and lifestyle modifications for gout Kenneth G Saag , Hyon Choi). Gout has also been linked to certain dietary …show more content…

In historical times it was linked to rich lifestyles heavy in meat and alcohol, it was often referred to as “disease of the kings” for this reason. In recent times it has been discovered which particular foods and lifestyles trigger gout. In most cases it is caused by too much uric acid in the blood,. An excess of uric acid is also known as hyperuricemia. This surplus of uric acid can lead to a build up of fluid surrounding the joints which form small crystals inside and around the joints. Gout typically results from genetic and environmental factors (Rheumatology (2009) 48 (suppl 2): ii2-ii8). These crystals cause intense pain, inflammation and swelling, this can be very debilitating to the sufferer. Symptoms of gout develop very quickly over a period of hours and can remain for between three and ten days, after this attack the joint usually returns to normal. Certain treatments however can alleviate symptoms. While Gout has an affinity for the toes, it can affect any joint. Besides the toes, it is most common in the ankles, knees and fingers. Fortunately Gout can be controlled be medications, lifestyle and dietary changes. Despite the genetic link to the development of gout, many lifestyle changes can aid in the …show more content…

The use of natural supplementation and consumption of Gout friendly foods make this disease easier to coexist with. Herbs can be an effective way to reduce inflammation; some worth mentioning are turmeric, boswellia and devils claw. There are numerous supplements on the market designed with Gout in mind, all varying in effectivity. Some of which include; querticin - this in particular acts as a natural anti-histamine and inhibits the production of uric acid. Bromelain is also another supplement that decreases inflammation and also helps target pain. Fish oil or flax seed oil can also inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Cherries and their juice ar. Whether Gout will still be just as prevalent in the future is unknown, but with the advanced technology in the present day and developments for the future it remains to be seen. With the knowledge of today, there are ways of managing this disease comfortably without compromising quality of

More about Increasing Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gout

Open Document