Gout is a chronic disease that can produce severe swelling of the joints. It is caused by a defect in the body’s natural action of breaking down nitrogen-containing compounds called purines. This action results in the production of too much uric acid, which accumulates in the blood (see Uric acid ). Crystals of uric acid are deposited in tissues around the joints. These deposits cause sudden attacks of swelling, most often in the feet. This is called gouty arthritis. The tendency to gout is hereditary.
The treatment of gout consists of limiting the amount of protein in the diet, and taking drugs such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone to hasten the elimination of uric acid. The drug allopurinol may be prescribed to reduce uric acid production. Colchicine is a drug that relieves acute gouty attacks. Gout is not curable, but it is controlled by proper treatment.
