For many years, gout was considered a disease that affected mainly older men. However, over the past few decades, the number of gout cases has been skyrocketing, and women are increasingly being affected by the disease as well.

In this article, we will explore the shocking rise of gout cases and the gender preference revealed by the data so far.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, which leads to intense pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The disease most commonly affects the big toe, but can also affect other joints in the body, such as the knee, ankle, and wrist.

The Rise of Gout Cases

According to a recent study, the prevalence of gout in the United States has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In 1997, approximately 2.7 million Americans had been diagnosed with gout.

By 2015, this number had risen to 8.3 million – a staggering 208% increase.

Experts believe that this increase in gout cases is due to a combination of factors. One major factor is the rising rates of obesity, as obesity is strongly associated with gout.

Another factor is the aging population, as gout is more prevalent among older adults. However, these two factors alone do not fully explain the dramatic rise in gout cases.

Gout and Gender

Historically, gout has been considered a disease that mainly affects older men. However, as the number of gout cases has been increasing, more and more women are being diagnosed with the disease as well.

In fact, according to a recent study, the prevalence of gout in women has nearly doubled over the past few decades.

Experts are not entirely sure why women are increasingly being affected by gout. Some believe that it may be due to changes in lifestyle factors that affect both sexes, such as diet and sedentary behavior.

Others believe that hormonal changes in women may play a role, as estrogen is known to have a protective effect against gout.

Gout and Diet

Diet plays a significant role in the development and management of gout. Foods that are high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, can trigger gout attacks by increasing the production of uric acid in the body.

Therefore, a gout-friendly diet should be low in purines and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Recently, some studies have suggested that certain types of diets, such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, may be particularly beneficial for people with gout.

These diets are high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as nuts, legumes, and fatty fish, and low in purine-rich foods.

Treatment and Prevention

The treatment and prevention of gout typically involve lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, as well as medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids can be effective in treating acute gout attacks. For long-term management, medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat can lower uric acid levels in the body and prevent future gout attacks.

In addition to medications, certain lifestyle modifications can help prevent gout attacks. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding purine-rich foods, and limiting alcohol consumption.

The Gender Preference Revealed

Studies have shown that men are still more likely to develop gout than women, especially at younger ages. However, this gender gap is narrowing, as the number of gout cases in women continues to rise.

In addition, women tend to have more severe forms of gout when they do develop the disease, and are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

The rise of gout cases, and the increasing number of women affected by the disease, is a cause for concern. However, with the right treatment and prevention strategies, gout can be effectively managed and controlled.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, such as joint pain and swelling, it is important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.