GOUT.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 11 September 1912, Page 2

GOUT.

A' painM disease affecting principally the smaller joints, particularly those of the toes. It is usually hereditary, but is often acquired. As a rule, it is a disease of the latter half of life, but in hereditary cases may appear much earlier. The immediate cause is an excessive accumulation of uric acid in the system, due to want of exercise, over-indulgence in rich food and alcohol, and luxurious living generally.

Gout, when it only affects tho joints, is said to bo regular; when it attacks the various organs it is said to be retrocedent or irregular. Symptoms. An acute attack is usually preceded by digestive disturbances, irritability, and scanty high-coloured urine, but in many cases it comes on without warning, usually at night, by the sudden onset of intense pain in the great toe, which speedily becomes red, glazed, swollen and smooth. At the samo time there is some fever, constipation, and restlessness. In tho daytime the symptoms abate, returning again at night. After a time the swelling and pain go, tho skin peels off, and the attack is over. As time goes on the attacks recur at short intervals, and other joints may be attacked, until the diseaso becomes chronic. The pain is now less acute, but is more constant, several joints are affected, and become deformed, owing to the deposit of "chalk-stones" around them. These deposits also form on the ear and elsewhere. Tho temper breaks down, there is dige-^. ivo disturbance, flatulance, and ] jss of ' appetite. In rarer cases tho internal organs are attacked (retrocedent gout), the lungs, heart, stomach, or brain being affected. Giouty people ar© very liable i(o skin eruptions (eczema, etc.), kidney disease, and arterial degenerations— the latter being the chief cause of apoplexy. Gout is not dangerous to life, atid when death occur it is usually iuo to some complication. Treatment. Plain living, with little animal food, little alcohol, and plenty of exercise out of doors. Attention should be paid to the general health, and all worry be avoided. During the attack hot fomentations and anodynes should be applied to the painful joints. A brisk purgative should be taken, md this followed by a mixture containing bicarbonate of soda (15 grains) and colchicum wine (15 minims) every four hours. Tho mineral waters of Vichy, Carlsbad, and Wiesbaden, or lithia water may be taken. The skin should bo encouraged to act by frequent hot baths.