The number of gout patients in their 20s and 30s has doubled… The cause is eating too much of this.

Gout, known to occur mainly in middle-aged and older men, is now common in relatively young people in their 20s and 40s, requiring attention. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of gout patients is steadily increasing every year. The number of patients increased by approximately 73% from 308,728 in 2014 to 535,100 in 2023. Most of the patients are male, accounting for approximately 93% (496,290) as of 2023. In particular, the increase rate of male patients in their 20s to 40s is significantly higher than the average. Compared to 10 years ago, the number of patients in their 20s increased by approximately 167%, those in their 30s by 109%, and those in their 40s by 83%, accounting for 48% of all gout patients in 2023.

Kim Yu-geun, director of the orthopedic surgery department at Bupyeong Himchan Hospital, said, “Gout is a disease in which uric acid crystals are deposited in the cartilage, tendons, and surrounding tissues of the joints as the concentration of uric acid in the blood increases, causing severe pain.” He added, “The intensity of the pain is so strong that it is called a gout attack. The pain is often felt at night or in the early morning, so many people visit the emergency room urgently.”

 

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

After purines are used for their intended purpose in the body, a waste product called uric acid remains. Uric acid waste should be excreted through urine and other means. However, if not fully excreted, urate crystals form and accumulate in surrounding tissues, such as joint cartilage and tendons, triggering an inflammatory response. The pain is so severe that even a slight breeze can be painful, leading to the term gout. Gouty tophi can even lead to joint deformities.

 

The more purine-rich foods you consume, the higher your blood uric acid levels. Purines are found primarily in carbonated beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup, processed foods, fruit juices, lean meats, blue-backed fish, and beer. The increase in gout cases among people in their 20s and 40s is believed to be due to changes in eating habits. Experts explain that the increased consumption of foods high in purines, such as alcohol, delivery food, fast food, and processed foods, as well as a sedentary lifestyle with long sitting hours, have likely contributed to the disease. Furthermore, obesity and high intake of protein supplements increase the risk of gout.

 

Drug treatment when symptoms appear

 

Gout begins with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and progresses to acute gouty arthritis. Gout attacks can also occur. It begins as an intermittent gout that subsides with treatment, but if left untreated, it can progress to chronic tophaceous gout, in which uric acid accumulates throughout the body. Dr. Kim Yu-geun, director of the hospital, explained, "Initially, there are no symptoms, but a second attack occurs six months to two years after the first attack. Afterward, relapses occur repeatedly, worsening the symptoms."

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is a condition characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, often discovered incidentally during blood tests. Acute gouty arthritis, which is characterized by gout attacks, requires medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and ultimately lower uric acid levels. Symptoms most commonly occur in the big toe, initially presenting with a fever and a prickling sensation. The pain typically worsens at night and resolves within a few hours, but can persist for several weeks.

 

Improving your lifestyle habits is crucial for preventing and treating gout. Eat as few foods high in purine as possible.

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

 

Drinking 2 liters of water a day can also help flush out uric acid, and taking 500 mg of vitamin C daily can also help lower uric acid levels. Dr. Kim Yu-geun, director of the hospital, said, "Gout is a disease that requires lifelong uric acid control, so even if uric acid levels return to normal, it's important to consistently manage your diet and receive treatment. I recommend keeping medication on hand in case of an attack."

 

 

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Uric acid excretion is important.

Drinking plenty of water definitely helps.

 

My mom also drinks 2 liters a day.

I've improved my eating habits a lot.