Where Does Gout Typically Manifest Itself?

Gout: A Metabolic Disorder

Gout is a metabolic disease caused by elevated blood uric acid levels, resulting from purine metabolism disorders or impaired uric acid excretion. It can manifest in various parts of the body, encompassing joints, kidneys, skin, and more.

1. Joints

The most common symptoms of gout involve joint pain and swelling, predominantly affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint, dorsal aspect of the foot, knees, and wrists. During a gout attack, patients often experience intense pain accompanied by redness, swelling, and heat.

2. Kidneys

Prolonged hyperuricemia in gout patients can lead to kidney dysfunction, manifesting as complications such as kidney stones and hydronephrosis. Additionally, gout may induce interstitial nephritis of renal tubules, which, in severe cases, can progress to chronic renal failure.

3. Skin

Skin manifestations in gout patients primarily present as subcutaneous nodules and tophus. Subcutaneous nodules, usually located around joints, are yellowish-white or pale red, firm to the touch, and leave indentation upon compression. Tophus, on the other hand, are hard masses formed near joints, often accompanied by significant tenderness, redness, and swelling.

4. Other Locations

Beyond the aforementioned common sites, gout can also affect multiple organs and systems, including the eyes, heart, and lungs. For instance, it may cause eyelid edema and blurred vision in the eyes; in the heart, it can lead to severe consequences like myocardial infarction; while in the lungs, it may manifest as chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Gout is a systemic disease that not only impacts joint function but also potentially damages multiple organs such as the kidneys and skin. To manage gout effectively, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding high-purine foods and undergoing regular health checkups for early detection and treatment is crucial.