Gout is a disease that causes severe pain and inflammation in the joints due to the deposition of crystals in the joints. These crystals are produced as a result of abnormally high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid comes from the normal breakdown of cells in the body and is excreted by the kidneys. If the kidneys do not function properly or if the body produces too much uric acid, the high concentration of uric acid in the blood can cause crystals to build up in the joints. Gout most often affects the joints at the base of the big toe, but is also common in other parts of the foot, knee, wrist, fingers and elbow. I. What are the symptoms of gout? An acute attack of gout (also called acute gouty arthritis) has no warning. The severe pain often occurs suddenly at night and is concentrated and intense. The affected joints also show redness, heat and swelling, localized skin shine, and tenderness. Most attacks of gout recur. Initially, the attacks are occasional, often affecting one joint. Each attack lasts for a few days, and then the symptoms disappear completely until the next attack. However, as the number of attacks increases, the symptoms last longer. The more frequent the attacks, the more joints are involved. As multiple joints become involved at the same time, gout can develop into a chronic (long-term) disease. Repeated attacks can cause permanent damage to the joints, including long-term pain and stiffness, limited movement, and joint deformities. As the disease progresses, crystals may also be deposited in the soft tissues and form lumps called “gout stones” under the skin. Crystals deposited in the kidneys can produce kidney stones and cause serious kidney damage. Who is prone to gout? Gout is more common in men and usually develops in middle age. In women, it often develops after menopause. People with a family history of gout are more likely to develop the disease. What are the risk factors for gout? Some diseases can increase the risk of gout, including diabetes, kidney disease and obesity. Gout attacks can be caused by taking certain medications such as diuretics (drugs that reduce water in the body), or after surgery and minor joint injuries. Alcohol consumption, high protein diets, illness or stress can also increase the risk of gout. 4. How is gout diagnosed? Gout can be confirmed by its specific symptoms. Checking the blood uric acid concentration may not be meaningful for diagnosis because increased blood uric acid concentration is often found in normal middle-aged men. The most credible way to diagnose gout is to draw a small amount of fluid from a joint during an attack and examine it under a microscope. If uric acid crystals are found, a diagnosis of gout can be made. V. How to treat and prevent gout? In an acute attack of gout, measures can be taken such as stopping the affected joint from moving, applying local cold compresses and taking anti-gout medication as recommended by your doctor. When the joint is severely swollen, fluid can be extracted from the joint to reduce swelling. To prevent a recurrence, it is important to avoid foods rich in purines (which are converted to uric acid in the body). Avoid foods such as: 1) animal offal such as liver, kidneys, brain and intestines 2) certain fish such as sardines and shrimp, crab 3) too much meat (especially beef and lamb) 4) too much beans (except tofu, soy milk and soy milk), mushrooms, cauliflower. Also, drink more water (10 to 12 glasses a day) and alcohol consumption must be limited, including beer and wine. Weight loss also helps to normalize uric acid concentrations. Taking medications that lower blood uric acid concentrations can often prevent or relieve another attack of gout. 6. Can gout be cured? Gout cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and prevented by the methods listed above.