Gout is a rheumatic disease resulting from deposition of uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) in tissues and fluids within the body. This process is caused by an overproduction or under excretion of uric acid. Certain common medications, alcohol, and dietary foods are known to be contributory factors. Acute gout will typically manifest itself as an acutely red, hot, and swollen joint with excruciating pain. Recurrent bouts of acute gout can lead to a degenerative form of chronic arthritis called gouty arthritis.

Background:

Gout is an ancient and common form of inflammatory arthritis, and is the most common inflammatory arthritis among men. Gout may remit for long periods, followed by flares for days to weeks, or can become chronic.

Risk factors for gout include being obese, having insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, congestive heart failure, alcohol intake (beer and spirits more than wine), diuretic use, a diet rich in meat and seafood, and poor kidney function.

Incidence of Gout:

• Gout accounts for approximately 5% of all cases of arthritis.

• In the United States it occurs in approximately 840 out of every 100,000 people.

• Gout is 9 times more common in men than women. Gout often affects men in their 40′s and 50′s although gout attacks can occur after puberty which sees an increase in uric acid levels.

• Gout attacks are more common in women after the menopausal stage.

• Gout attacks are also more common in people with kidney disease.

• A diseased kidney is less likely to cleanse uric acid and the risk of gout is increased.

Reference:

1. http://gout.readabout.org/2012/08/02/gout-statistics

2. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html