Glossary of Gout Terms
A list of terms often used when discussing Gout.
Readers of The Cause of Gout Symptoms may find that some of our articles use terms with which they are not familiar. To help everyone get the most out of their reading experience, we present this brief guide, which we expect to grow over time.
Allopurinol: A popular drug used to treat disorders caused by an over-abundance of Purines in the bloodstream - chiefly Gout. Specifically it acts by promoting the excretion of Purines, rather than by inhibiting the creation or absorbtion of them.
Apnea: Also known as Sleep Apnea. This is a disorder caused when loose tissues of the throat hang across the airway during sleep, obstructing airflow. Typically the result is profound snoring. Often sufferers may stop breathing for periods, causing blood oxygen levels to drop. This can result in death, either directly by asphyxiation, or indirectly through many different means.
This is pertinent to gout because when oxygen levels drop off, cells in the body begin to disintegrate (die) and in so doing, they give off Uric Acid. Many Gout sufferers have undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea. As awareness of this correlation grows among medical professionals, more and more Gout patients are being tested and treated for OSA.
Colchicine: The oldest (first century AD) and among the most popular drugs for treatment of Gout. Colchicine is a potent poison in larger doses, similar in effect to Arsenic. Even in medicinal doses it can cause nausea. While Colchicine works efficiently to end gout flares, it often will increase pain somewhat in the early stages of an attack before showing a benefit. A newer treatment combines a sub-clinical dose of Colchicine with the drug Probenecid to prevent increased early-stage discomfort.
Gout: A form of Arthritis caused by too much Uric Acid in the bloodstream. This leads to the formation of painful crystaline deposits in the joints, particularly of the extremities, and most often in the feet.
Gout Diet:
Indocin: A popular brand name for Indomethacin.
Indomethacin: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is a COX 1 AND COX 2 inhibitor. Essentially, it is a very strong analgesic. While it is a very strong medicine and should not be taken for minor aches and pains, a typical oral dose of Indomethacin has proven as efficient as 600mg Aspirin in pain treatment.
Podagra: The Latin term for Gout. Still in use today by some people, though considered antiquated.
Probenecid: A prescription medicine used to prevent Gout attacks by helping the body eliminate excess Uric Acid. This medication will not cure Gout and will only help prevent attacks if it is taken on a regular, ongoing basis. Probenecid is sometimes prescribed in combination with Colchicine.
Pseudogout: Like Gout, Pseudogout is a condition caused by crystals forming in joints, eventually wearing away cartilage and causing the bones of the joint to rub against each other. The Difference between Pseudogout and Gout is that Pseudogout crystals are composed of Calcium Pyrophosphate, whereas Gout Tophi are composed of Uric Acid.
Purines: Purines are a group of related chemicals that are major components of DNA, RNA and several other important biomolecules. When Purines are metabolized in the human body - either by being eaten or through the death of our cells - the Purines are converted into Uric Acid. Some foods are higher in Purines than others, and these are the foods which Gout patients have historically been instructed to avoid (e.g.: shellfish, pork, etc.).
Tophi: When Uric Acid levels in the bloodstream reach a certain proportion or saturation point, the acid begins to clump together in solid crystals. As these crystals pass through the bloodstream, they accumulate in the joints, most often in the lower extremities, and particularly in the big toe.
These accumulations are called Tophi, or Tophus in the singular. A Tophus is pale yellow in color and has a chalky texture. These Tophi are extremely painful and degrade the joint by destroying any cartilage and causing bone to rub against bone.
Tophi, left untreated, can erupt through the surface of the skin, inviting severe infection as well as horrific pain. Historically the only treatment for Tophi was surgical removal, but new medications under testing may be able to dissolve a Tophus without surgical intervention.
Tophus: See Tophi.
Uric Acid:
