Gout

What is it?
Gout is a condition caused by uric acid crystals forming in the body. When the crystals deposit in joints, inflammation results in severe pain, especially in the feet. Crystals deposit when uric acid levels in the body are very high, usually because the kidney is unable to remove it from the blood quickly enough. A defect in metabolism may result in either overproduction of uric acid or a reduced ability of the kidneys to eliminate it. Gout develops more frequently in people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anaemia, and kidney disease, or following therapy with drugs that interfere with uric acid excretion.

What tests are used?

Crystals of uric acid may be seen in fluid from an affected joint.
An elevated level of uric acid may be detected in blood.
Kidney function may be monitored via blood tests to check for damage caused by the crystals.

X-rays of the affected joints may show tophi (uric acid deposits) and damage indicative of gouty arthritis.

What treatments exist?
Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce the pain of gout, while other treatments are aimed at reducing uric acid levels, resulting in fewer and less severe attacks. Drugs, such as probenecid or sulfinpyrazone, which lower uric acid and allopurinol, which blocks the enzyme that produces uric acid, may be used. Increasing fluid intake helps the kidneys flush out uric acid.