Coping with GOUT

This is a type of arthritis causing attacks of paintul inflammation in one or more joints

- Dr Gill

Solvents risk

Workplace exposure to gases, dusts, fumes, and aromatic solvents used in paints, varnishes, and glues is linked to waning lung capacity above and beyond that associated with normal ageing. The meta-analysis included 12 studies with monitoring periods up to 25 years. Researchers have recommended increased awareness of the risks, even with less intense home use, and regular check-ups for workers in these environments to stave off serious respiratory ill health.

Uric acid (urate) is made in the body during metabolism, passed out in urine and faeces, and usually harmless. In gout, the blood levels of uric acid build up until tiny, grit-like crystals form, which collect in a joint, causing inflammation, swelling and pain - a gout attack.

Inexplicably, some people with high uric acid levels don't form crystals, while some with normal levels get gout, but generally, high levels increase the risk.

A normal balanced diet shouldn't affect uric acid level but purine-rich foods, including some seafood, meats, and certain vegetables and dried beans, as well as alcohol, are all metabolised into uric acid and can trigger an attack.

Other risk factors include medicines, such as certain diuretics, aspirin and chemotherapy medicines, and illnesses with rapid cell turnover, such as severe psoriasis. Also, some blood disorders and chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, bone marrow and lipid disorders.