Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism, clinically characterized by elevated blood uric acid. Excess uric acid in the body forms crystals that are deposited in the joints, causing severe pain, fever and redness. It usually starts in the big toe and can also involve other joints, causing deformed and stiff joints in severe cases. Chronic gout can lead to kidney stones, gouty nephropathy, etc. (a) Staging of gout First, asymptomatic stage (hyperuricemia): there may be only hyperuricemia, but no clinical symptoms of arthritis. Second, the acute gouty arthritis stage: this period patients will suddenly develop severe pain in the joints, mostly occurring at night during sleep, and also waking up due to pain. Most often in the bunion joint, the skin around the joint is red and visibly swollen, skin temperature is elevated, pain is severe and unbearable, and there is often impairment of joint movement. It is mostly triggered by eating high purine foods, drinking alcohol, cold, strain, or after infection, trauma, and surgery. Thirdly, intermittent period: During this period, some patients may experience flaking and itching of the skin around the affected joints, which is also a unique manifestation of gout. The intermittent period between attacks of gout can be months to years at first, but if the patient is not treated or treated irregularly, repeated attacks of acute arthritis will gradually develop into chronic arthritis. Fourth, the chronic gouty arthritis period: joint deformity, restricted movement and gout stones, long-term uncontrolled patients can develop kidney function damage, and even kidney failure. (B) Gout prevention and control Gout is a chronic lifelong disease, although it cannot be cured, but can be prevented. Mainly through diet control, moderate exercise, supplemented by drug therapy, to keep blood uric acid in the normal range and reduce the number of attacks to a minimum, you can enjoy the same quality of life as normal people. During the acute gout attack period, you should visit the hospital once every 1-2 weeks to report your diet, exercise, medication and symptoms to the doctor; check your weight and blood pressure regularly during the interval; have blood uric acid, urine routine (protein, sugar, sediment), blood lipid, kidney function, liver function, blood routine and blood sugar tested once every 1-3 months, and have electrocardiogram, X-ray and urinary ultrasound done 1-3 times a year. Prevention of acute gouty arthritis attack: (1) Regulation of diet is most important: control high purine foods and limit fat intake. Eat more alkaline foods such as vegetables and fruits. Avoid alcohol, coffee, strong tea and other foods that excite the nervous system. (2) Drink more water to promote uric acid excretion. It is best to maintain more than 2 liters of fluid intake per day, preferably up to 3 liters for those with kidney stones. (3) Avoid overexertion and stress, and keep a regular work and rest schedule. (4) Take the appropriate amount of uric acid-lowering drugs as prescribed by the doctor to lower the blood uric acid level and prevent the attack of acute gouty arthritis.