Causes, pathogenesis and symptoms of gout

In one of the groups of rheumatic diseases are the so-called microcrystalline or metabolic arthritis. One such arthritis is gout, the signs and manifestations of which have been known since the time of Hippocrates. This disease occurs due to an impaired exchange of uric acid with an increased content of it in the blood, as well as the pathological deposition of crystals (urates) in tissues. Therefore, the symptoms of gout are clinically manifested by the onset of acute arthritis, as well as the formation of tofusi, specific gouty nodes.

The name of the disease was given by the Greeks. The first known to date description of this disease was given by the Greek doctor Saranus. This ailment suffered Macedonian, Newton and many other famous historical figures.

The number of people who detect symptoms of gout , every year Increases. This is more likely to be associated with an increase in the quality of life and nutrition. It is not for nothing that this disease is also called the "aristocrat disease".

The problem of this disease is its late diagnosis, most often already in a chronic stage, when not only the joints are involved in the painful process.

The first signs of gout are often beginning to disturb middle-aged men. But recently the disease has significantly "rejuvenated". It can also be found in thirty-year-old young people. The greater part of those who seek help with gout begins with the appearance of pain and swelling of the first (large) toe of the foot. This is a classic option. The rest of the pain is noted in other joints of the foot, as well as in the large joints of the limbs.

To understand the pathogenesis of the disease, one must have an idea of the normal exchange of uric acid. In humans, it is the result of the cleavage of purines. In our body, the sources of formation of such an acid are the products we consume, which contain purines (meat, legumes, red wine, fish, etc.), nucleoproteins of cells. From the body, uric acid is excreted through the intestine, splitting intestinal flora, and with urine (its main part).

Causes of the disease

It is known that gout symptoms appear when a combination of excess uric acid in the body and reduce its excretion in the urine. The increase in acid production may be a result of excessive consumption of products containing purines, and an increase in the internal synthesis of purines in the body.

Primary hyperuricemia and secondary are distinguished. Gout occurs as a result of the first option. Secondary increase of uric acid in the blood is usually a consequence of renal failure, myeloma, some types of leukemia and anemia, and also manifests itself with the use of certain medications, such as diuretics.

The excessive content of acid in the blood leads to its deposition in organs and tissues. In the form of urate sodium it is deposited in synovial bags, penetrates into the synovial fluid. Urates penetrate into the cartilage, causing its inflammation and damage.

Symptoms of gout

As already noted above, the classic option is to defeat the joint of the big toe. By itself, an excess of uric acid in the body does not cause any symptoms, and attention is drawn to the defeat of this particular joint. Often an outbreak of the disease is provoked by overeating, hypothermia, trauma or infection. Often, an attack of arthritis occurs against a background of complete well-being, although sometimes precursor symptoms are noted, such as frequent mood changes, excessive irritability, etc.

Usually the pains appear at night and suddenly. The pain is so strong that it is impossible to touch the joint. At the same time, edema and redness appear. After one or two days, the pain passes. A characteristic feature of gouty pain is its unexpected and sharp start and the same sudden end. If large joints are affected, then the clinical picture resembles phlegmon. Tofuy can form in the joints. They are bumps located under the skin or in the joint (deposits of urates). In the blood, the uric acid content is increased.

Treatment

In case of an acute attack, colchicine, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic drugs (NSAIDs) are used. An obligatory requirement is to follow a diet with the exception of meat, alcohol, offal.

The second step is the administration of drugs that reduce the formation of uric acid in the body. Such a preparation is allopurinol or its analogues. This drug is used for permanent and long-term treatment ..