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Gout: Causes and Tests

Gout: Causes and Tests

Gout is the condition caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid from blood accumulated in joints causes’ severe pain due to its crystalline structures. There are conditions like severe pain,...

Gout is the condition caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid from blood accumulated in joints causes’ severe pain due to its crystalline structures. There are conditions like severe pain, redness and swelling of big toe. The effect is not limited to these sites only but the condition can affect the other sites of the body or other joints of the body. This condition is severe form of arthritis and genetics play an important role in this condition. There are various reasons for the condition like diet, taking certain medications, consumption of alcohol etc. In some cases the condition trigger attacks called a gout attack which is severe form of pain that occurs in sudden intervals.

What is Gout?

Gout is medical condition in which body is not able to expel the uric acid efficiently and leads to more concentration of uric acid in the blood. This high concentration of uric acid in blood forms needle like crystalline structures which deposits at the joints. This condition is also known as hyperuricemia. Uric acid is formed due to break down of purines that we got through diet or already present in cells. This condition is very painful at times and person is suggested diet change to take less purine and avoid certain medications.

List of Causes for Gout

1. Production of Excessive Uric Acid

This is one of the primary cause which leads to the condition of gout. There are various reason which are related to the excessive production of uric acid and these include high purine diet, beverages those are rich in fructose and certain medical conditions which are responsible for the production of excessive uric acid.

2. Uric Acid not Excreted Properly

There are conditions when uric acid in the blood is not expelled or excreted properly. This leads to the collection of excess of uric acid in blood. This excessive uric acid get deposited on the joints and leading to the condition of gout. The condition is painful and can be due to various reasons why body is not able to excrete the uric acid properly and these include:

  • Kidney Abnormalities
  • Dehydration
  • High alcohol consumption
  • Taking medications

3. Dietary Factors

One of the main factors that affect the concentration of uric acid in blood is diet. This plays an important role in determining the concentration of uric acid in the blood. There are various factors which determine the high concentration of uric acid in blood and these include:

  • Processed Meat
  • Red Meat
  • Seafood
  • Alcohol
  • Sugary Drinks

4. Genetic Factors

There are various genetic factors which are responsible for the condition of gout in the person. If the person having the family history of gout and this condition will continuously run through the families and towards the end. This can be due to metabolic condition where body is not able to excrete the uric acid smoothly. In another case, patient is able to produce more uric acid than average and kidneys are not enough efficient to expel all the uric acid from the body leading to the deposition at joints.

5. Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Another condition which can lead to the increase of uric acid in blood is due to being overweight or having metabolic diseases. Overweight puts more pressure on kidneys and the condition of obesity is directly related with the condition of high cholesterol, hypertension, insulin resistance and other conditions which leads to high uric acid in blood.

How Lifestyle Contributes to Gout

Gout condition is related to the disorders of life and other foods that we consume on daily basis. Food directly impacts the uric acid concentration in the blood and directly influences it management. Food leading to obesity is also related with uric acid concentration in blood and all these conditions are interrelated with each other. Slightly lifestyle changes can make a big impact on the condition of gout and these  include regular exercise, balanced diet, food with more green leafy veggies, fruits, less processed food, avoid alcohol etc. can help in great deal of reducing uric acid concentration in blood.

Tests used to Detect Gout

Serum Uric Acid (Book Now)

Uric Acid, 24 Hour Urine (Book Now)

Uric Acid Random Urine (Book Now)

Urinary Uric Acid (Book Now)

Conclusion

Gout is one of the most common conditions that occur due to various life style conditions. The food we take, hereditary, lifestyle etc. have a great impact on the concentration of uric acid in blood. There are conditions like severe pain, redness and swelling of big toe. The effect is not limited to these sites only but the condition can affect the other sites of the body or other joints of the body. This condition is severe form of arthritis and genetics play an important role in this condition. There are various reasons for the condition like diet, taking certain medications, consumption of alcohol etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the result of uric acid after metabolism?

Purines after breakdown cause uric acid.

What the condition of high uric acid called?

The condition of high uric acid in blood is called hyperuricemia.

Does obesity lead to high uric acid?

Yes, obesity is one of the causes of high uric acid.

What are the causes of uric acid?

Diet, genetics, medical conditions, drugs etc. are some of the main causes of uric acid.

Do lifestyle changes help to reduce uric acid levels?

Yes, various lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, less processed food, alcohol etc. can help to reduce uric acid levels in blood.