Patient can avoid deformity after
early detection of Gout

DUBAI - Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints and in its acute states it is accompanied by chronic episodes of painful inflammation.

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Published: Sat 26 Nov 2011, 11:48 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 8:40 AM

According to Dr Rakesh Kumar, Specialist Physician at Aster Medical Centre, Al Barsha, Gout is one of the forms of arthritis. “One out of 20 Arthritis patients are afflicted with Gout.”

Gout can be controlled by treatment and drugs and the right kind of medical advice can relieve the patient of the malady that on a global average affects some 1,000 people in a population of 100,000. According to Dr Kumar when the amount of uric acid in the body increases it will get converted into crystals that will get deposited in the joints. “If not detected early, the size of these crystal deposits will harden in the joints causing pain and discomfort,” he said.

“It is generally seen that diets containing excess purine like prawns, red meat, liver, kidney and brain will generate more uric acid in the body. In case of vegetables, it is seen that excess consumption of green peas and beans can cause production of uric acid in the body,” Dr Rakesh said.

“Some of other causes triggering increase in uric acid in the body are obesity and use of certain drugs in the category of diuretics,” he said.

The exact cause of Gout is unknown. Gout may run in families. It is more common in males, postmenopausal women, and people who drink alcohol. People who take certain medicines, such as hydrochlorothiazide and other water pills, may have higher levels of uric acid in the blood.

In general, the symptoms of gout are evident after 40 years. A high uric acid level does not necessarily result in Gout; other co-morbid factors such as hypertension, alcohol intake, obesity, and high purine intake increase the risk in an additive manner.

“The symptoms of Gout vary — for instance extreme pain in joints, kidney, thumbs accompanied by inflammation, softness of the skin could be pointers to the affliction. In medical terms, this stage is called Podagra and out of four patients at least three reflect these symptoms.” According to Dr Rakesh, it is important that Gout is detected early so that treatments can be initiated to ensure that the patient does not suffer from deformity and weakness of organs.

news@khaleejtimes.com

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Specialist Physician at Aster Medical Centre

Published: Sat 26 Nov 2011, 11:48 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 8:40 AM

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