6 Myths of Gout, Don't Be Trusted Again!

Gout is one disease that often attacks Indonesian people. Unfortunately, there are quite a number of myths that accompany this disease. The existence of this myth of gout makes prevention or treatment of this disease not optimal. Actually, what are the myths about gout that we should not trust anymore?

6 myths of gout are widely believed

Gout can make sufferers suffer. This is caused by the pain that arises from this disease is very extraordinary. Unfortunately, because there are many myths that are not true, handling this disease cannot be done to the fullest.

Here are some scattered and widely believed gout myths:

Gout only attacks people with obesity

Many people believe that gout will only affect those who suffer from obesity or excessive weight problems. In fact, in reality anyone can get gout, including those who have the ideal body weight. It's just that those who are obese will have a greater risk.

Health expert John Reveille, MD, who is from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, United States, says gout tends to be more common in people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension. In addition, genetic factors sometimes can also affect the risk of getting this disease.

Gout only attacks men

Herbert Baraf, MD, who is from the George Washington University Medical Center, the United States says men are more prone to gout. In fact, the risk can reach 10 times compared to women. Only, that does not mean women will not experience it. They can still be affected by gout if they adopt a lifestyle that is unhealthy or over 60 years old.

Gout will only attack the big toe

Many people think that gout attacks will only appear in the big toe joints. In fact, almost all joints are susceptible to this health problem. Indeed, often this disease will attack the joints on the hands or feet. In fact, if it is not treated, this sharp buildup of uric acid crystals can trigger permanent damage to the joints.

Gout will not trigger death

Health expert Robert Keenan, MD, from Duke University, says that gout is not going to trigger death directly. It's just that, if this condition is not handled properly and allowed to become more severe, complications may arise which would endanger the health condition and life.

For example, health experts say the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with gout tends to increase significantly. In fact, gout sufferers will also be more susceptible to insulin resistance. If diabetics also suffer from gout to experience tophi or lumps in the joints, then this lump can trigger a dangerous infection.

There is no cure for gout

Indeed, gout cannot be treated, but that does not mean there is no medicine that can be consumed to stop its development. In addition, there are drugs that can overcome pain or inflammation caused by gout attacks. For this reason, gout sufferers should consult a doctor to get the right medicines to prevent their health condition from getting worse.

Lifestyle changes are not able to prevent gout

Health experts say lifestyle changes are very important for gout sufferers to prevent attacks from this disease. For example, by avoiding foods high in purines or alcoholic beverages, the sufferer will not be easily exposed to inflammation in the torturing joints.