What Happens During a Gout Attack | WebMD

Summary

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain and swelling in one or more joints, often due to a buildup of uric acid in the body. This excess acid can form sharp crystals around joints, triggering painful attacks, commonly affecting the big toe or knee. While pain and swelling subside after a couple of weeks, medications and lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent future gout attacks. Individuals with gout are encouraged to consult with their doctor for appropriate treatment and strategies to reduce flare-ups.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe pain and swelling in joints.
• 😀 Gout attacks occur when there is a buildup of uric acid in the body, which can form sharp crystals around joints.
• 😀 Uric acid is naturally found in your body and in foods like meat and shellfish.
• 😀 Normally, uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys and leaves the body through urine.
• 😀 In some people, the kidneys don’t filter enough uric acid, or the body produces too much, leading to gout.
• 😀 Gout attacks often happen suddenly and can affect one joint, typically the big toe or knee.
• 😀 The body's immune system reacts to the crystals, causing inflammation, pain, and redness.
• 😀 Gout attacks usually occur at night and can lead to intense pain and swelling within hours.
• 😀 Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are typically prescribed to manage the pain and reduce swelling during a gout attack.
• 😀 Gout inflammation typically subsides on its own within one to two weeks.
• 😀 It's important for people with gout to consult their doctor about medications and lifestyle changes to manage the condition.

Q & A

What is gout?

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe pain and swelling in one or more joints, often due to a buildup of uric acid in the body.

How does uric acid contribute to gout?

Uric acid can build up in the body when the kidneys are unable to properly eliminate it or when the body produces too much. This excess uric acid can form sharp crystals that collect around joints, leading to gout attacks.

Where does uric acid come from?

Uric acid is naturally found in the body's tissues and is also present in many foods, such as meat and shellfish.

What happens when uric acid builds up in the body?

When uric acid builds up in the body, it can form tiny sharp crystals that collect around joints, triggering an immune system response and causing inflammation, pain, and redness.

How does the immune system react during a gout attack?

During a gout attack, the immune system is triggered, causing white blood cells to engulf the uric acid crystals, which leads to inflammation, pain, and redness around the affected joint.

Which joints are typically affected by gout?

Gout usually affects a single joint, with the big toe being one of the most common areas, though it can also affect other joints like the knee.

How quickly do gout attacks progress?

A gout attack can cause intense pain and swelling within hours of its onset, making it a rapid and often excruciating condition.

How long does the pain and swelling from a gout attack last?

The pain and swelling from a gout attack usually last for about one to two weeks, eventually subsiding on their own as the inflammation goes away.

What treatments are typically used to manage gout?

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed to ease pain and reduce swelling during a gout attack.

What should someone with gout do to manage the condition long-term?

Individuals with gout should consult their doctor about medications and lifestyle changes that can help prevent future attacks and manage the condition effectively.