|
(ARA) - If you've ever heard the word "gout," it was probably in association with King Henry VIII or Benjamin Franklin, right? That's because throughout history it's been described as a condition of the wealthy, or "disease of kings." But this is just one of many widespread misconceptions about gout. So what is gout, after all?
The fact is that gout affects more than kings - about 5 million Americans - and is indeed a "modern-day" condition. "Gout is a painful, chronic affliction that can interfere with everyday activities, including work and family events, but it doesn't have to be that way," explains Andrew Whelton, MD, Professor of Medicine (Adjunct), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md. "Educating people about gout is one of the best ways to put the myths to rest and to help those suffering with the condition." Below are some examples of other common misconceptions about gout.
Myth: Gout or "gouty arthritis," as it was referred to, is a disease of the past that only afflicted the rich and royal, and is no longer relevant in the modern world - no one gets it anymore.
Reality: We do know that many historical figures indeed suffered from gout. However, the assumption was, since they were often royal or well-to-do and could eat rich, heavy meals, that they had gout because of their diet. While diet can be a trigger for painful attacks, elevated blood levels of uric acid, otherwise known as hyperuricemia, is the root cause of gout.
When blood levels of uric acid rise, needle-like crystals can form and collect in joints or soft tissue. Although approximately 90 percent of people with gout experience it in their big toe at some point over the duration of their disease, gout can also occur in other parts of the body, including insteps, ankles, knees, heels, wrists, elbows and fingers. As the disease progresses, attacks may become more frequent and patients may develop urate crystal deposits, known as tophi, in the soft tissue and joints. Tophi can result in joint deformity.
Myth: Only people who eat fattening foods and lead an unhealthy lifestyle get gout.
Reality: Although certain foods high in purines can trigger gout symptoms, they are not the cause of gout - which is high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid comes from substances called purines. Most people are able to rid their bodies of uric acid. But, if your body produces too much uric acid or has a difficult time getting rid of uric acid, it builds up in your blood to higher-than-healthy levels. "By lowering high uric acid and maintaining healthy levels, patients can reduce the risk and frequency of painful attacks over time," comments Dr. Whelton. "A target to keep gout in check is a uric acid level of less than 6.0 mg/dL." If your levels are higher, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help lower them and help keep them low over time.
Myth: Gout is something people just have to live with - nothing can be done to help.
Reality: Gout is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and regular monitoring to keep it under control - and, while there is no cure, there are options that can help lower uric acid and keep it low over time. There are two types of medical treatment for gout: medicine that treats the acute symptoms (pain and inflammation) and medicine that treats the root cause (high uric acid). If you have gout, talk to your doctor to ensure uric acid levels are checked regularly with a routine blood test, and if they are high, work with your doctor to develop a management plan that will treat your flares and treat the root cause.
Now that you're more familiar with some common gout myths and realities, find out more at www.Gout.com, and make sure to talk with your doctor about the best management plan for your needs. If you have gout, add uric acid levels to your critical health numbers to know at your next doctor appointment. Just as you keep in mind your blood pressure and cholesterol, being aware of your uric acid level will be important to keep attacks at bay.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
|
