Gout is not merely a condition that causes pain. Misconceptions and complacent responses can exacerbate gout and lead to serious complications.
Gout is a disease where uric acid levels in the blood become too high, leading to the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints and other areas, causing inflammation. While it commonly causes excruciating pain in the big toe joint, it can affect various parts of the body, making accurate diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Common Misconceptions and Truths
1. Misconception: High uric acid levels automatically mean gout? – False! Not everyone with high uric acid levels has gout. Gout is diagnosed when uric acid levels not only rise but uric acid crystals accumulate in joints, causing an inflammatory response. However, if uric acid levels are above 9mg/dL even without symptoms, there is a high risk of developing gout, and preventive management is necessary.
2. Misconception: No pain means no treatment is needed? – False! The pain of an acute gout attack can be quickly relieved with anti-inflammatory painkillers, but this is only temporary symptom relief, not a cure. Remaining uric acid crystals can cause recurring inflammation, and repeated attacks can lead to joint deformities and functional disabilities. Professor Kim Se-hee of the Department of Rheumatology at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital emphasizes, "The key to gout is long-term suppression of blood uric acid levels to prevent complications."
3. Misconception: Gout only affects joints? – False! Uric acid crystals can accumulate in various tissues beyond joints, including tendons, blood vessels, kidneys, and skin. Especially when they accumulate in the kidneys, they can cause kidney stones or impaired kidney function, and also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Long-term neglect can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, so caution is advised.
4. Misconception: If you avoid beer, other alcoholic drinks are fine? – False! While beer is particularly harmful for gout due to its high purine content, all types of alcohol increase uric acid production and inhibit its excretion, negatively impacting gout. Other alcoholic beverages like soju and wine also contribute to higher uric acid levels. Furthermore, beverages containing liquid fructose, such as fruit juices and sodas, are major culprits in raising uric acid levels and should be avoided. Experts recommend abstaining from alcohol and limiting sweet beverage consumption.
5. Misconception: Gout can be treated solely through diet control? – False! Dietary control, by consuming low-purine foods, helps manage gout, but it has limitations in lowering uric acid levels to the target range (below 6mg/dL) on its own. Medication is essential for effectively controlling blood uric acid levels and preventing complications. Gout medications are prescribed according to the patient's condition, either by inhibiting uric acid production or promoting its excretion.
Gout: Consistent Management is the Only Answer
Gout is a disease that should focus on long-term uric acid control and complication prevention rather than short-term symptom relief. Maximizing treatment effectiveness involves combining medication with lifestyle improvements such as a balanced diet, adequate hydration, weight loss, alcohol abstinence, and regular exercise. It's advisable to avoid certain high-purine meats (organ meats, red meats) and seafood (oily fish, shellfish) as much as possible.
Professor Kim Se-hee emphasizes that "consistent management and prevention of gout directly lead to an improved quality of life," urging accurate understanding and proactive treatment for gout. Gout, if neglected, can lead to irreversible consequences; it's time to understand it properly and take action.
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