Gout is often misunderstood as a temporary ailment, but it is actually a chronic condition that can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Unpack the myths and facts, and learn to manage this often-overlooked disease.
Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience or a problem that only affects the rich. However, this perception could not be further from the truth. Gout is a serious, chronic condition that can lead to debilitating joint pain, permanent joint damage, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated.
In Singapore, almost 4% of adults suffer from gout, of whom over 90% are males. Dr Chuah Tyng Yu, Consultant at the Department of Rheumatology at Sengkang General Hospital, sheds light on this misunderstood disease and dispels common myths surrounding it.
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body, which forms painful crystals in the joints. While it can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk, such as family history, obesity, kidney disease, and certain medications. According to Dr Chuah, gout is often thought to be associated with a rich lifestyle and excessive alcohol consumption. However, this is a misconception. Gout can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of socioeconomic status or dietary habits.
Another common myth is that gout is not a chronic condition. Gout is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management to prevent flare-ups and long-term complications.
"Many patients view gout as a temporary problem that only flares up occasionally," explains Dr Chuah. "They assume that the problem is resolved when the pain subsides, not realising that elevated uric acid levels remain and continue to cause damage between flares."
If left untreated, gout can lead to several serious health consequences, including chronic joint damage, kidney problems, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Persistent, untreated gout can lead to permanent damage and deformity of the affected joints. Commonly affected joints are fingers, knees, ankles and big toes. The recurrent buildup of uric acid crystals triggers ongoing inflammation, which gradually erodes cartilage and bone, causing chronic gouty arthritis.
Over time, urate crystals can form hard deposits known as tophi in the joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Tophi can lead to further joint destruction and may even require surgical removal in severe cases. Gout can also take a toll on a person's quality of life, causing chronic pain, mobility issues, and emotional distress.
Dr Chuah says, "The ongoing pain, physical limitations, and fear of future flares can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, further diminishing a person's quality of life".
Despite the serious consequences of untreated gout, many people still believe that the condition can be cured or managed through diet alone. However, these beliefs are nothing more than myths.
Fact: Gout cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with long-term treatment and lifestyle changes. "Gout is a chronic condition that can be controlled to prevent flare-ups and long-term complications," explains Dr Chuah. "The key to preventing gout attacks is to reduce uric acid levels in the blood with medications like allopurinol or febuxostat (urate-lowering therapies)."
Fact: Gout can affect anyone, regardless of wealth or social status. While diet can contribute to gout flares, the condition is not limited to people with specific lifestyles, and it can occur in men and women of all economic backgrounds.
Myth 3: Gout cannot kill an individual.
Fact: Gout itself may not kill, but untreated gout can lead to serious health complications that can increase the risk of life-threatening conditions. If left unmanaged, gout can lead to the formation of kidney stones, kidney disease, and chronic joint damage. Also, elevated uric acid levels and chronic inflammation are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure.
Managing gout requires a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring by a healthcare professional. Dr Chuah assures, "With consistent treatment and monitoring, people with gout can lead a normal, pain-free life, minimising joint damage and other complications." She adds a cautionary note, "Stopping treatment can result in a return of symptoms."
Lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, weight management, and limiting alcohol consumption, can also help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. "It's important for people with gout to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and risk factors," advises Dr. Chuah.
Gout is a serious, chronic condition that requires ongoing management to prevent debilitating joint pain, permanent joint damage, and life-threatening complications. “By dispelling common myths and raising awareness about the true nature of gout, we can encourage those affected to seek proper treatment and take control of their health,” says Dr Chuah.
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