Gout Nephropathy

Gout Nephropathy

Is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of joints when there is an accumulation of urate crystals. Uric acid normally dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine.  If this process does not go according to plan. Crystals form when the body produces high levels of uric acid in the blood after your body breaks down purines (substance found naturally in your body and some foods).

Gout is common, but complex, characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling redness and tenderness in the joints.  Attacks of gout often occur suddenly and at night. The pain can be severe enough to wake you up from sleep. Even the sensation of fabric touching the affected area is unbearable. Gout symptoms are intermittent and treatable to prevent flare ups.

Causes:

  • Diet – rich in red meat, shellfish, beverages sweetened with fructose, beer.
  • Overweight- it is more difficult for your kidneys to eliminate uric acid.
  • Medical conditions – heart, and kidney disease. high blood press, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome.
  • Family history of gout – you are at a higher risk of developing gout if it runs in your family.
  • Medications – diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and anti-rejection drugs given to organ transplant patients.
  • Age and gender -men are most likely to develop gout in their earlier years and women after menopause.
  • Trauma (recent surgery) – can sometimes trigger a gout attack.

Symptoms:

  • Severe joint pain.
  • Lingering discomfort after pain subsides.
  • Inflammation and redness of the joints.
  • Range of motions is limited as gout progresses.