Uric Acid Disease Awareness

Hello friends, good day. How are ou doing today? Trusting God y'all are doing good? Trusting God, I'm also doing good too and I'm delighted to participate in this contest.

If you've had a family member or a close relative who has suffered or suffering from gout, you will understand better the features of gout.

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My Dad has had a lot of crisis of gout arthritis over the years. The last crisis he had was two years ago precisely between the period of March all through July. It was a very painful period for him as he was bedridden all through this period. All his joints were swollen, both the fingers, elbow, knee and toes. The most affected joints were that of the toes and fingers.

My Dad keeps running temperature. His body gets so hot sometimes that we'll need to soak towel in room temperature water and massage his body. Every single touch sends extreme pain to his body. At some point, my dad hardly eats not because he doesn't have appetite but because he's scared of us needing to lift him to be able to use the restroom when nature calls after eating to either wee or poo. Yeah, it was as serious as that. In all, I give God the Glory for giving him the strength to fight through.

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What do you know about uric acid or gout?

Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines (commonly found in foods we consume) in the body. They are usually found in the blood as a waste product.
Gout is a type of arthritis that is usually characterized by swollen and severe joint pains especially the toes and fingers which is often a result of high uric acid in the system. Gout if left untreated or not properly managed could result in deformity of the joints especially those of the toes and fingers.

What are the causes, signs and consequences of high uric acid levels?

Causes of high uric acid

1. Diet: Food high in purines such as red meat, seafood, organ meat and beer can elevate the levels of uric acid in the body. My Dad was ask to stay away from beer and desist from eating certain meats due to the high level of uric acid in his system.
2. Medications: certain antihypertensives like the beta-blockers and diuretics can also increase the levels of uric acid in the body.
3. Kidney function: primarily, uric acid is excreted via urine. If the kidney's function is paired of the kidney is diseased, it will result in accumulation of the uric acid.
4. Genetics: Family history can also play a role in the high levels of uric acid in the body.

Signs of high uric acid levels

1. Joint pain
2. Kidney stones
3. Swellings and redness in affected joints

Consequences of high uric acid levels

1. Gout
2. Kidney stones
3. Kidney disease
4. Metabolic syndrome
5. Cardiovascular disease.

Prevention and management of high uric acid levels

1. Staying hydrated always.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Avoid foods that triggers onset.
4. Medications such as allopurinol helps in reducing the levels of uric acid in the body.

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Why is it important to raise awareness about uric acid-related issues?

It is very important create and raise awareness about uric acid-related issues because this will help people in understanding and management of such conditions. When such conditions are left untreated or not properly cared for, will often result in other serious health complications like kidney diseases, kidney stones, cardiovascular diseases and could also result in deformity of the joint and in some cases, some joints getting fused.

I'm inviting my friends @vickyson @deelyt @estyfashion to also participate in this contest.

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