There are four stages of Gout that occur when someone contracts this disease. Although this disease is curable but if not caught early, it can be very damaging to the body. Here are the details of different stages of the disease.
Stages of Gout
- The first stage is called asymptomatic Gout. The primary indication that this stage has started is that there is a higher uric acid level in the blood. This does not cause damage to the body but is simply a warning sign that something is abnormal with the body. The main complication with this stage is that there are no apparent symptoms. The only way this stage is caught is by a blood test. Best is to get a uric acid levels test done at this stage if you are suspicious.
- The second of four Gout stages is called acute Gout, or acute Gouty arthritis. In this stage, hyperuricemia causes uric acid crystals to accumulate in joints. This leads to a very sudden onset of pain and swelling. These uric acid crystals can also cause the area to feel warm and tender to the touch. Normally the onset or attacks commonly occur at night. They are also triggered by other illnesses, stress, alcohol, or drugs. In the beginning of this stage, the attacks last for about 3 to 10 days without treatment. If proper treatment is received, the time can be shorter. Note that after the last attack, another one may or may not happen in quick succession. Future attacks, however, will last longer and once they reappear they can happen more frequently.
- The third of the four stages of Gout is called interval or intercritical Gout. This is the stage between acute attacks. During this stage, no symptoms are seen and the person has normal joint functions. Although this does not seem like a serious stage, it is one of the best times to treat Gout. After the first attack, a person should see their doctor. Their doctor will prescribe the right treatment, which should be adhered to whether or not the person is experiencing pain. As the Gout is still present in the body, the treatment should not be considered complete until a blood test proves that Gout is eliminated.
- If left untreated, the disease will progress to the Gout stage called chronic tophaceous Gout – which is one that is the most dangerous. This is the most disabling stage, and usually takes considerable time to develop – maybe as long as a few years. By the time this stage develops, the disease may have caused permanent damage to the affected joints. The kidneys are sometimes affected but it is most prevalent in the joints.
Although very unpleasant, most people who contract Gout are curable. The key is to catch the disease in the initial stages. A proper diet and due medication are the keys to successfully eliminate the disease.
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