Gout: Diagnosis

Gout can affect almost any area of ​​the body - fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, toes. In most cases, especially gout affects the toes, because this is an area just below the temperature of the blood. Numerous studies indicate that the most prone to gout is thumbs.

Gout and uric acid

Exceeds standard measures the level of uric acid in the blood is one of the main factors leading to gout. Uric acid - a substance formed as a result of the destruction of purines. Purines - nitrogen compounds are produced in the cells contained in foods and beverages.

If the amount of uric acid produced by the body, above the normal, and the kidneys fail to function O acid from the body, the substance accumulates gradually, leading to hyperuricemia. By itself, this disorder is not too serious, but in some cases leads to hyperuricemia gout.

The first and main symptom of gout - arthritic pain in the joints resulting from the high concentration of crystals in the joints of uric acid. Pain and inflammation in the joints occur due to the absorption of white blood cells of uric acid crystals.

Symptoms of gout

The first gout accompanied by sharp attacks of pain - usually at night. Pain may occur in the thumb or any joint and last for five to ten days. The next attack may occur months or even years.

The most intense pain observed during the first 12 - 24 hours. Even after the disappearance of a sharp pain is discomfort in the next few days. A typical list of symptoms of gout include:

• The symptoms are similar to cold symptoms - fever, fever, chills.
• Sudden severe pain in the joints or the thumb.
• Red skin swollen, hot to the touch.
• The skin in the inflamed joint becomes red or purple.
• Prolonged discomfort.

Causes Gout

Although the relationship between the crystallization of uric acid in the body and gout is well understood, the exact cause of gout is still unknown. To increase the level of uric acid can cause a number of factors.

• Because of renal dysfunction in the body may experience increased levels of uric acid.
• As a result of kidney disease, the body may not be able to fully withdraw uric acid.
• Certain foods and alcohol abuse increases the chance of gout.
• Taking certain medications - such as aspirin, nicotinamide, certain diuretics, drugs that cause rapid cell destruction, cyclosporine and other drugs that suppress the immune system - can stimulate the production of excess uric acid.
• Furthermore, the increased level of uric acid may be deficient in vitamin Vitamins for everyone   C, endocrine dysfunction, high blood pressure, overweight.
• An important role in the development of gout playing age and gender - men aged 40 - 50 years of age suffer from gout more often than women.

Diagnosis of gout

If symptoms of gout are constant, it is necessary to turn to a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Diagnosing gout at an early stage will help create an effective treatment plan. If you ignore the first attacks of gout, the disease could lead to even more intense pain and permanent damage to the joints. Furthermore, in patients suffering from gout, increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The first stage of the diagnosis - a thorough examination of the musculoskeletal system and the damaged areas, finding a family history of disease, information taken this medicine. Depending on what drugs are taken, the results of administration may affect the diagnosis of the disease.

The symptoms of gout can be easily confused with symptoms of other disorders - such as rheumatoid arthritis, pseudogout, psoriatic arthritis. For accurate diagnosis of gout and other diseases exceptions versions used different methods: the acid test for a reaction test for synovial fluid, an X-ray.

Test for uric acid

This diagnostic technique to determine the level of uric acid in the blood Uric acid in the blood - a dangerous condition . It is taken from a vein a certain amount of blood, whose composition is analyzed for uric acid. Normal values ​​for adult men is considered to be the content of uric acid in the blood obheme 2, 5 - 8 mg / dL (150 - 480 micromoles / liter), and for adult women - 1, 5 - 6 mg / dl (90 - 360 micromoles / liter ).

Depending on the level of uric acid in the blood is put preliminary diagnosis. The final diagnosis is made after the analysis of fluid from the affected joint and the test on the content of uric acid crystals.

Test for synovial fluid

Synovial fluid - the liquid contained in the joints and acts as a kind of lubricant. Test for synovial fluid provides a series of tests to ascertain the course of the inflammatory process and to determine the presence in the synovial fluid of uric acid crystals.

In most cases, before the test is performed local anesthesia, and the whole procedure takes less than a minute. The collected fluid is tested by a number of characteristics, including - volume, color, purity, glucose, uric acid, proteins. Synovial fluid in the case of inflammation of different color and density cloudy. However, depending on a number of factors - age, gender, medical history, methods used for the diagnosis - the results can vary.

X-rays

X-ray does not help diagnose gout - the main purpose of the exception is considered to be versions of other diseases, it is also accompanied by soreness and discomfort. Furthermore, X-rays to determine the flow area of ​​inflammation.

Gout attack

Gout - the response of the body to the formation of crystals of uric acid. In most cases, gout attacks occur at night and are accompanied by burning pain so intense that the joints do not stand the slightest touch. Walk or just stand in this state is very difficult and almost impossible.

Gout attacks occur suddenly without any reason. Small attacks can last for one - two days, and then the symptoms disappear. Severe attacks can last up to several weeks. The next attack may occur after a long period of time - from six months to two years. In addition, there are examples where re gout attack arose.

Treatment of gout

Finally, it is impossible to cure gout, but to minimize the symptoms is quite real. Generally, pain and discomfort arising from attack, disappear within 24 hours after the start of treatment. Priority treatment - deterring attack, getting rid of the pain and stop the inflammatory process by reducing levels of uric acid in the blood.

Medicines: For pain relief gout attacks prescribe anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen) effectively reduce pain, reduce inflammation, reduce the duration of gout attacks.

To stimulate the natural process of the withdrawal of uric acid from the body, doctors recommend to increase the daily volume of fluid intake. For patients who experience regular bouts of gout, prescribed special medications that lower uric acid levels in the blood - allopurinol, probenecid. In addition to getting rid of regular gout attacks requires a change of lifestyle and avoiding harmful habits:

• Avoiding alcohol
• Increased fluid intake
• Maintaining a normal body weight, depending on gender, age, height
• Compliance with a balanced diet

Proper diet for gout

Proper diet plays an important role in reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks of gout. Mandatory requirement - the rejection of products with high levels of purines, which allows you to control the production of uric acid in the body.

• Foods high in purines - anchovies, liver, kidneys, red meat, herring, mackerel.
• In limited quantities must be taken into eating vegetables - cauliflower Cauliflower: Queen vegetable table , Spinach, beans, lentils and mushrooms, and cereals.
• Every day you need to drink 2-3 liters of fluid.
• Alcohol, sugar, sugary drinks is necessary to limit.
• It is necessary to eat dairy products with low or no fat.