Millions of people are affected by the medical condition known as gout.
This is a condition that is caused by an excessive level of uric acid within the body.
While it is common for each person to have a certain amount of this acid in their body on a regular basis, there are certain individuals that are prone to developing gout as a result of this.
Those that develop gout will experience many uncomfortable symptoms such as inflammation and pain in and around the joints of the body.
Most often, gout is experienced through flare ups that occur with little to absolutely no warning.
This medical condition is also marked by unique stages.
In this medical guide, you will be introduced to the four distinct stages of gout.
Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia Individuals that develop gout have an elevated amount of uric acid within the body.
The first official stage of gout is referred to as asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
Individuals that are in this stage of their condition often do not have any outward symptoms.
Most of the people that are in this stage of gout will be informed that they are after having a blood test conducted that tests the amount of uric acid contained in the circulatory system.
Seeing that there are usually no symptoms at all experienced during this stage of gout, most medical professionals do not feel the need to treat the patient for the symptoms commonly associated with gout.
In many cases, a more appropriate approach to treatment would be to make an attempt to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body.
Acute Gout The second stage of gout is a bit more challenging than the first stage.
This comes as a result of the fact that the uric acid in the body starts the process of crystallizing within the joints of the body.
The individual that suffers from this stage will start to experience gout symptoms.
These symptoms include inflammation within and around the joints of the body, discoloration of the skin and pain.
Interval Gout The third stage of gout is when an individual returns to not experiencing any symptoms associated with their condition.
The pain that a person experiences with gout occurs during what is called an attack.
Once an attack has passed, there will be a period in which no symptoms are exhibited.
This is the interval stage.
Chronic Tophaceous Based Gout The fourth stage of gout is considered to be the most challenging of all those that are experienced.
Typically, the person that experiences this will suffer from an extended amount of time before entering into this particular stage.
This stage is considered to be the most disabling of all the stages.
Those that end up at this stage will most often have some type of damage as a result of the condition.
For example, the joints may be damaged or the internal organs may experience a form of damage.
If you have gout, it is important to learn about the four stages so that you have a good understanding of the progression of the condition.