Dr. João Lagoas Gomes
Rheumatology
Gout
Gout is an inflammatory rheumatic disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) in the joints and other soft tissues. This accumulation occurs when there are elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia.
The disease typically affects one joint and progresses in episodes, or attacks. If hyperuricemia is not treated, these attacks become more frequent, affect more joints, and last longer, potentially evolving into a permanent and debilitating arthritis.
In these cases, there is also often accumulation of uric acid crystals in the periarticular soft tissues, known as gouty tophi.
Treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory therapy to control the attacks and, in the long term, to manage the serum uric acid level to prevent symptom recurrence.
This is achieved through dietary measures, lifestyle changes, and pharmacological therapy as needed. Except in severe cases where arthritis has become persistent, individuals with gout should not have any symptoms of the disease.
Useful Links:
https://spreumatologia.pt/gota/