According to the data of the "2021 China Hyperuricemia and Gout Trend White Paper", my countrygoutThe overall incidence rate is 1.1%, and the number of patients is as high as 14.66 million.

It has been reported that the number of gout patients in China will reach 43.3 million by 2024, and this number may further increase to 56.2 million by 2035.

What is gout?

Gout is caused byUric acidA type of condition caused by excessive levelsmetabolismWhen the concentration of uric acid in the blood exceeds its solubility, it forms crystals that deposit in the joints, causing inflammation and severe pain.

Types of gout

Gout usually occurs in the following forms:

• Primary gout: This is an inherited disease that is usually related to excessive production or insufficient excretion of uric acid in the body.

• Secondary gout: caused by other diseases (such as kidney disease,diabetes) or certain medications that cause elevated uric acid.

What harm does gout do to the body?

Gout is a metabolic disease caused by hyperuricemia, and its main feature is acute arthritis attacks. Although many people may think that gout is just joint pain, in fact, gout that is not effectively controlled can cause many harms to the body. The following are the main harms of gout to the body:

1. Acute joint injury

Severe pain: When gout attacks, the affected joints (such as the big toe, ankle, knee, etc.) will experience severe pain and discomfort, seriously affecting the quality of life.

Joint swelling and redness: During an attack, there may be significant swelling and warmth around the joints, leading to limited movement.

2. Chronic joint damage

Recurring attacks: If not effectively treated, gout attacks may come and go, and over time, the affected joints may be permanently damaged.

Joint deformity: Long-term chronic gout may lead to changes in joint structure, deformity and dysfunction.

3. Uric acid crystal deposition (tophus)

External ear and jointsNodules: Uric acid crystals formed in the body can deposit in the joints, skin and other parts to form tophi, which may cause local pain and inflammation.

Soft tissue damage: Deposits of uric acid crystals may affect surrounding tissues, causing further damage and pain.

4. Kidney damage

Gouty nephropathy: High uric acid levels can cause kidney damage. Long-term hyperuricemia may causeAcute renal failureor chronic kidney disease.

Kidney stones: High uric acid levels may lead to the formation of kidney stones, causing pain and urinary tract infections.

5. Cardiovascular diseaseIncreased risk

Cardiovascular disease: Studies show that gout patientshypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases are at a higher risk, which may be related to inflammatory response and metabolic disorders.

6. Risk of co-morbidities

Metabolic syndrome: Gout is often associated withobesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high lipids, which together increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

7. Psychological and social impact

Psychological stress: Persistent pain and recurrent attacks may lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, affecting the patient's quality of life and social activities.

Gout is not just a simple joint pain, its impact on the body can be profound and extensive. Through effective management and prevention measures, we can reduce the harm of gout to the body.

Causes of gout

The occurrence of gout is closely related to many factors, including:

1. Dietary factors:

High-purine foods: such as red meat, seafood, and offal will increase uric acid production.

Alcohol: Especially beer and sugary drinks, can aggravate the production and excretion of uric acid.

2. Obesity: Being overweight increases the production of uric acid and reduces the kidneys’ ability to excrete it.

3. Genetic factors: People who have gout in their family have a higher risk of developing the disease.

4. Health conditions: Diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease may also lead to elevated uric acid levels.

5. Drug effects: Certain drugs (such as diuretics) can interfere with the excretion of uric acid, leading to increased uric acid concentration in the blood.

Symptoms of gout

Symptoms of gout often include:

1. Acute joint pain: especially in the big toe, ankle and knee joints, usually occurring at night or early in the morning.

2. Red and swollen joints: The affected joints may become red, swollen, hot, painful, and sensitive to the touch.

3. Limited movement: Pain and swelling limit joint movement.

4. Skin changes: In severe cases, spots or rashes may appear on the skin around the joints.

What should I do when gout attacks?

1. Rest and elevate the affected limb: When gout attacks, patients should try to stay in bed and avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue to avoid aggravating the condition. At the same time, elevate the affected limb to reduce pain and swelling.

2. Cold compress: Use ice packs or cold wet towels to apply to the joints where gout attacks for dozens of minutes each time, which can help relieve inflammation and pain. However, it should be noted that the temperature should not be too low when applying cold compresses, so as not to induce acute attacks.

3. Drinking water: Drinking enough water helps dilute the uric acid in the urine and helps excrete uric acid crystals in the body. It is recommended that gout patients drink 2000-2500ml of water every day to promote the excretion of uric acid.

4. Diet adjustment: During a gout attack, patients should avoid consuming high-purine foods, such as seafood, animal offal, and soy products, to reduce the production of uric acid. At the same time, they can eat more low-purine foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits.

5. Drug treatment: Under the guidance of a doctor, patients can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc.) or colchicine to relieve pain and inflammation. These drugs are most effective when used in the early stages of a gout attack, but attention should be paid to the side effects and contraindications of the drugs.

6. Psychological adjustment: Gout attacks may cause psychological pressure and anxiety to patients, so patients need to maintain an optimistic attitude and face the disease positively. Emotions can be relieved by communicating with family and friends or participating in some relaxing activities.

7. See a doctor for examination: If gout symptoms are severe or persistent, the patient should seek medical attention for examination and treatment. The doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation, including medication, physical therapy, etc.

Gout is a chronic disease that requires long-term management and control. Patients should pay attention to diet adjustment, moderate exercise, and weight control in their daily lives to prevent the recurrence of gout. At the same time, it is also necessary to regularly test indicators such as blood uric acid to detect and deal with abnormal conditions in a timely manner.

Treatments for gout

Treatment of gout focuses on relieving pain and controlling uric acid levels. The main methods include:

1. Treatment of acute episodes

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen and indomethacin can relieve pain and inflammation.

Colchicine: Effective during acute attacks and can quickly relieve pain.

Corticosteroids: These are used for people who cannot tolerate other drugs and are usually given by mouth or injection.

2. Long-term management

Uric acid-lowering drugs: such as allopurinol and febuxostat, are used to lower uric acid levels and prevent recurrence.

Lifestyle adjustments: control diet, avoid high-purine foods, maintain proper weight, exercise regularly, and quit drinking.

How to prevent gout?

The key to preventing gout is to control uric acid levels and adjust your lifestyle:

1. Healthy Diet:

Limit your intake of high-purine foods, such as red meat, seafood, and offal.

Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to ensure a balanced diet.

2. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight can help lower uric acid levels, but rapid weight loss should be avoided as it may lead to increased uric acid levels.

3. Adequate water intake: Maintaining adequate water intake every day helps dilute and excrete uric acid.

4. Regular physical examinations: monitor uric acid levels and adjust treatment plans in a timely manner.

Although gout is common, its impact on quality of life cannot be underestimated. Through scientific management, early identification and effective treatment, many patients are able to control their condition and live a normal life. If you have gout-related symptoms or are at risk for hyperuricemia, please consult a professional doctor as soon as possible to develop an appropriate management plan.