What Are The Risk Factors For Gout: Abnormal Accumulation of Acid that Crystallizes in the Body

When uric acid accumulates in abnormally elevated levels within the blood, it has the tendency to crystallize and deposit into bodily tissues. This abnormal accumulation will produce painful inflammation of joints, and an arthritic medical condition known as Gout.

Believe it or not, statistics state that approximately one million people, in the United States alone, are inflicted with Gout and it has even been recorded that one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, suffered from the extremely painful condition that is also commonly called Gouty Arthritis. Though this condition seems to be prevalent more in men, it does occur in women too.

So, why does the uric acid build up in the blood stream? Basically, uric acid will build up in the blood stream due to the body's inherited (gene related) inability to metabolize and properly breakdown purines, which happen to be found in foods rich in protein. The abnormal levels of uric acid will be the result, and it will release into the blood stream where it will begin to crystallize and deposit in joint fluid.

The excess build up of uric acid in the blood stream is medically called hyperuricemia. As the crystals build up in the joints it will cause the painful irritation and inflammation, and a Gout attack. In the worst cases, the uric acid crystals will form within the kidneys and lead to kidney stones, which can lead to kidney failure if the blockage becomes severe.

There are common signs and symptoms associated with Gout attacks. Since Gout is an arthritic condition, one can expect to have similar symptoms. A person suffering from Gout may experience periodic attacks that will consist of painful swelling, and tenderness in their joints, especially the joint found in the big toe. If the sudden onset of pain occurs at night, the slightest pressure from a blanket will cause the person extreme discomfort and pain. Pain from an episode may last anywhere from 2 to 7 days from the time of onset.

Often when the pain subsides, the person will experience an itching sensation around the affected joint, and it is also not uncommon to see the skin peeling around the specific joint. The painful inflammation of the affected joint can produce a redness or purple tone to the area, and the person may even experience a fever. Since there is intense pain and swelling associated with Gout, it will contribute to immobility of the affected joint. Commonly, Gouty arthritis can flare up in the joints of the fingers, wrist, elbow, toes, feet, ankles, and knees.

As already noted, Gout is a medical condition that is generally inherited or passed on through genes, making a family history of Gout an important risk factor for a person. However, there are other risk factors that should be noted when referring to Gout:

Men seem to be more susceptible to the contracting Gout.

A person who is obese is also predisposed to Gout.

Moderate to heavy alcohol use can place you at risk, and is commonly seen in those whose choice of libation is beer, because beer is high in purines.

The consumption of a diet high and rich in purines (meat and seafood) increases the risk of uric acid building up in the blood.

Medications like diuretics, which are responsible for the removal of salts and water from the body, can elevate the uric acid production.

When a person is prescribed aspirin to lessen chances of Heart Attack or Stroke, they should also be aware that taking more than 2 aspirin a day can increase their risk of developing Gout.

Periodic episodes of dehydration also heighten the risk.

A person who has been exposed to high levels of lead betters their chances of contracting Gout.

If a person has undergone surgery, it can result in a Gout attack due to the body fluid balances that are often diminished before and after surgery while the patient is on an NPO (nothing by mouth) diet.

There are also certain diseases and medical conditions that also put a person at greater risk of also having Gout. These diseases and conditions include: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Diabetes, Heart Disease, Artherosclerosis, Kidney Diseases, Leukemias, and Lymphomas.

In general, if there is something going on in your body that will easily contribute for an elevation in uric acid production, you may be at higher risk for developing the condition known as Gout, or having a Gout attack. However, the good news is that Gout is a manageable medical condition. With new medications that aim to reduce the level of uric acid in the blood stream, pain management, and overall monitoring of risk factors, the outlook for those inflicted or susceptible is more hopeful.