The disease is systemic and is a type of arthritis which results from a buildup of uric acid throughout the joints. It can occur when a high level of uric acid is present in the blood due to either a malfunctioning liver or the overeating of rich foods. Too much uric acid invades the blood and cannot be successfully expelled in the urine. Over time, the high levels of uric acid cause crystals to form. The crystals eventually settle in the joints and cause the symptoms of gout to occur. Diet, heredity and other diseases are the common risk factors associated with the condition. Research has shown that at least 18% of those affected with it, have a family history of the disease.

Health problems that can cause the development of the condition include kidney disease, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia. Those who are overweight also run a higher risk of developing the disease because of the obvious extreme consumption of foods that cause gout. To a lesser degree, factors such as exposure to lead in the environment and some medications can contribute to the onset of the illness. Symptoms of gout can occur over night with no previous signs of the condition. It has been known to come and go suddenly in patients who may initially have not idea what causes the pain. Diagnosing the disease is not difficult and only requires the insertion of a needle into the affected joint. Fluid is withdrawn for testing to determine if a buildup of uric acid crystals is present. If crystals are in the fluid withdrawn from the affected joints, then gout can be definitely diagnosed.

Treatment is designed to diminish the amount of uric acid in the joints. Doctors must determine the cause of the uric acid buildup and then an appropriate treatment protocol for each patient. Certain foods are very often diagnosed as a common cause for the condition in those who have no other underlying health problems. Foods that activate extreme uric acid accumulation in the blood include sardines, heavy gravies, red meats, yeast, sweetbreads, and certain cream sauces. These foods have a high level of purine in them. Other foods like pheasant, trout, salmon and scallops are considered moderately loaded with purine. Some foods that are high in purines, such as cauliflower, spinach and peas, are still allowable in a gout diet. If eaten in frequent, large amounts, rich foods alone can cause symptoms of gout to occur.

Physicians that treat the disease can best prescribe the right diet that will insure proper nutrition as well as avoidance of rich foods. Since consuming large amounts of alcohol is also associated with the condition, those who drink are encouraged to avoid alcohol at all. Other common sense additions to a treatment protocol include drinking plenty of water and including daily exercise in a patient’s regimen. Those who have a family history of the condition should apply preventive measures by routine doctor’s visits and avoidance of foods that cause gout. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Pain relief drugs such as anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are taken orally. Steroidal medications can help minimize joint stiffness and swelling. Injections of steroids in the affected joints or by oral prescription can help to significantly reduce swelling the in the joints. Injections usually produce the most dramatic results within a few days. There are side effects that can occur with some medications such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Many patients can see results simply by eliminating foods that cause gout and taking prescription medications for pain. For those who have a genetic history of the disease, preventive, dietary measures in advance may result in an avoidance of the condition all together.