What Is Gout?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
6. Disease Process
In ideal circumstances, excess uric acid is excreted by the kidneys in urine, hence adequate hydration is necessary to help dissolve it and excrete it. However, in some instances, the body produces too much, or the kidneys excrete too little.
This causes uric acid to buildup and precipitate to form sharp needlelike crystals in joints and surrounding tissue. This causes pain, inflammation, and swelling in the affected body parts. It is worth noting that not all cases of hyperuricemia lead to gout.
Advertisement
