How can I know if I have gout?

There are various ways to diagnose gout, including observing symptoms and conducting uric acid tests. If you suspect that you may have gout, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for a clear diagnosis. Here are the methods:

Observing Symptoms

1. Acute Attack Phase: If a patient suddenly experiences joint pain accompanied by significant redness and swelling, it may be due to an acute gout attack.

2. Intermittent Phase: If a patient's joints do not have obvious discomfort but experience recurrent episodes, it may indicate chronic tophus.

Uric Acid Tests

1. Serum Uric Acid Measurement: This indicator is one of the important means to detect hyperuricemia. The normal value is generally between 9mg/dL-360μmol/L. When it exceeds this range, hyperuricemia can be initially diagnosed, and the possibility of gout should be considered.

2. Urinary Uric Acid Measurement: The results are usually related to diet and may increase after eating, but generally do not exceed the normal level. Therefore, multiple measurements are required to confirm an elevated uric acid level.

Imaging Examinations

Imaging examinations such as ultrasound and CT scans can detect crystalline deposits of varying sizes around the joints, which helps further diagnose the disease. In addition to the above methods, a doctor's physical examination can also assist in diagnosis.

In daily life, it is important to avoid high-purine foods to prevent aggravation of the condition.