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Information About Different Types of Gout

Gout is a disease that most commonly affects the foot and coincides with elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The disease is classified as either primary or secondary gout.

  1. Types

    • Primary gout can occur when the body creates too much uric acid or is unable to excrete uric acid fast enough. Secondary gout results from another medical condition, such as metabolic syndrome and leukemia.

    Effects

    • Signs and symptoms of gout include a sudden burning pain, swelling, redness and stiffness of the infected area. In men it most commonly affects the toes (mostly the big toe) but can affect other body parts and women as well.

    Causes

    • Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid. Certain foods with high levels of purine and grain alcohol can lead to increased levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for gout focuses on managing the symptoms and lowering uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Certain medications, including allopurinol, uricosuric and probenecid, are used to treat symptoms of gout.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Prevention of gout focuses on reducing purine, medication and diet alterations.

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