| Literally translated, arthritis means "joint inflammation." | | | | days, even without treatment, and the next attack |
| It refers to more than 100 different diseases that | | | | may not occur for months or even years. Over time, |
| affect the joints. Gout accounts for approximately 5 | | | | however, attacks can last longer and occur more |
| percent of all cases of arthritis. The disease can | | | | frequently. |
| progress through four stages: | | | | 3. Interval or intercritical gout - This is the period |
| | | | between acute attacks. In this stage, a person does |
| 1. Asymptomatic (without symptoms) hyperuricemia - | | | | not have any symptoms |
| In this stage, a person has elevated levels of uric acid | | | | 4. Chronic tophaceous gout - This is the most |
| in the blood (hyperuricemia), but no other symptoms. | | | | disabling stage of gout. It usually develops over a |
| Treatment is usually not required. | | | | long period, such as 10 years. In this stage, the |
| 2. Acute gout, or acute gouty arthritis - In this stage, | | | | disease may have caused permanent damage to the |
| hyperuricemia has caused the deposit of uric acid | | | | affected joints and sometimes to the kidneys. With |
| crystals in joint spaces. This leads to a sudden onset | | | | proper treatment, most people with gout do not |
| of intense pain and swelling in the joints, which also | | | | progress to this advanced stage. |
| may be warm and very tender. An acute attack | | | | Knowing this four stages of gout, will help doctor to |
| commonly occurs at night and can be triggered by | | | | write the correct prescription for their patients so |
| stressful events, alcohol or drugs, or the presence of | | | | they really get what they need the most. |
| another illness. Attacks usually subside within 3 to 10 | | | | |