Gout, which is known to occur mostly in middle-aged and older men, has recently become common among relatively younger generations in their 20s to 40s, so caution is needed. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of gout patients has been steadily increasing every year. The number of patients, which was 308,728 in 2014, increased by about 73% to 535,100 in 2023. Most of the patients are men, accounting for approximately 93% (496,290) as of 2023. In particular, male patients in their 20s to 40s have seen a significant increase in the average growth rate, with a 167% increase in their 20s, 109% in their 30s, and 83% in their 40s compared to ten years ago, accounting for 48% of all gout patients in 2023.

Director Kim Yu-geun of Bupyeong Himchan Hospital's Orthopedics department said, "Gout is a disease in which uric acid crystals deposit in the joints' cartilage, tendons, and surrounding tissues as the uric acid concentration in the blood increases, causing severe pain," and added, "The intensity of the pain is so severe that it is called a gout attack, and it is often experienced at night or in the early morning, leading many to urgently visit the emergency room."

 

The main cause of increased gout among young people is 'changes in eating habits'.

The component called purine is used in the body where needed, and leftover waste material called uric acid remains. Uric acid waste must be completely excreted through urine and other means, but if it is not fully eliminated, uric acid crystals form, accumulating in surrounding tissues such as joint cartilage and tendons, causing an inflammatory response. It often causes extreme pain so severe that even a breeze can trigger it, and gout is called because of this pain. Gout nodules can also lead to joint deformities.

 

The more foods high in purines you eat, the higher your blood uric acid levels become. Purines are mainly found in carbonated drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup, processed foods, fruit juices, lean meats, oily fish, and beer. The increase in gout patients in their 20s to 40s is believed to be due to changes in eating habits. Experts explain that the rise in consumption of foods with high purine content such as alcohol, delivery food, fast food, and processed foods, along with a lifestyle involving long periods of sitting and lack of physical activity, has contributed to this trend. Additionally, obesity and the frequent intake of protein supplements also increase the risk of gout.

 

Drug treatment upon symptom onset

 

Gout begins with an asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage with no symptoms and progresses to acute gouty arthritis. Gout attacks can also occur. If treated, it can enter a remission phase of intermittent gout, but if not managed properly, it can develop into chronic tophaceous gout, where uric acid accumulates throughout the body. Director Kim Yoo-geun stated, "Initially, there are no symptoms, but after the first gout attack, a second attack occurs between 6 months and 2 years, and subsequent recurrences lead to worsening symptoms."

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is a condition where there are no symptoms, but the uric acid level in the blood is high, often discovered incidentally through blood tests. In cases of acute gouty arthritis, which involves gout attacks, medications are used to reduce pain and inflammation, and fundamentally, to lower uric acid levels. The most common site of symptoms is the big toe, where initially there is a sensation of heat and pain that feels like being pricked with a needle. Usually, the pain worsens at night and can disappear within a few hours, but it can also last for several weeks.

 

Lifestyle changes are very important for the prevention and treatment of gout. Avoid consuming foods high in purines as much as possible, and

It is good to increase the intake of foods low in purines or that help excrete uric acid, such as grains, seaweed including kelp, low-fat milk, Americano, apples, and bananas.

 

Drinking 2 liters of water daily to help excrete uric acid is also beneficial, and consuming 500mg of vitamin C daily can help lower uric acid levels. Director Kim Yoo-geun said, "Gout is a condition that requires lifelong management of uric acid levels, so even if uric acid levels return to normal, it is important to continue dietary adjustments and treatment," and he advised, "Prepare over-the-counter medication in case of an attack."

 

 

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Uric acid excretion is important.

Certainly, drinking plenty of water helps.

 

My mom also drinks 2 liters a day.

You have improved a lot with your eating habits.