"How can one definitively diagnose gout?"

To ascertain whether one has gout, one can rely on clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic methods. Gout is a metabolic disorder arising from purine metabolism dysregulation or uric acid excretion impairment.

I. Clinical Symptoms

1. Joint Swelling: This occurs due to excessive uric acid levels in the body, leading to the deposition of uric acid crystals within joints. Patients typically experience joint pain accompanied by significant redness and swelling.

2. Fever: Inflammatory reactions can disrupt the body's temperature regulation center, triggering fever.

3. Elevated Skin Temperature: Local inflammatory stimuli may cause capillary dilation, resulting in an increase in skin temperature.

II. Laboratory Tests

1. Urinalysis: This test can detect the presence of substances such as urine protein and urine white blood cells in urine, aiding in disease diagnosis.

2. C-Reactive Protein (CRP): CRP is a protein produced by the body in response to infection. Elevated CRP levels above normal indicate the possibility of bacterial infection.

3. Ultrasonography: Utilizing ultrasound waves to scan various parts of the body, this examination can observe the presence of stones in organs such as the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, and can also aid in the diagnosis of gout. In addition, imaging examinations can also be used for confirmation.

It is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly to avoid exacerbating their condition.