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How Common Is Gout in Children?
Gout in children is uncommon. The symptoms associated with this condition are typically not affected by individuals who have not yet experienced puberty. Negative physical conditions which can lead to the condition, however, may be formed in early childhood.
The condition known as gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, typically the wrists, ankles, big toes, and fingers. It usually causes swelling in those joints and surrounding tissues, some redness, and mild to severe pain. This condition usually affects men anywhere between the ages of 13 and 75, and may also present itself in women who have experienced menopause.
Other factors which can aid in the determination of whether an individual will suffer from gout include genetic disposition, diet, and overall health. Those who have descended from a line of gout sufferers are much more likely to suffer from these symptoms. These individuals are often deficient in a key enzyme in the body that helps process purines in food, which can lead to the build up of uric acid. Anyone who eats a diet high in purine containing foods, like meat, trout, and beans, and drinks between one and two alcoholic beverages a day is also at risk. These foods increase the amount of uric acid in the blood and prevent the body from eliminating it.
Even though gout in children does not occur often, their bodies can begin forming excessive uric acid in the blood at a young age. It is uncommon for any child who has not yet gone through puberty to experience a full gout attack, including the swelling and pain that is associated with this type of an episode. Children form their eating habits early in life, however, and these habits will determine the types of food they eat as teens and adults. Male children who are genetically predisposed to gout, and who do not eat a healthy diet or get regular exercise, may experience an attack as soon as they have experienced puberty.
Children who grow up eating a diet high in fructose sugars and low in fiber are statistically more likely to suffer from health problems later in life, including gout. The build-up of sugars and animal proteins in the blood can lead to an elevated amount of uric acid, which can lay the groundwork in the body for a future attack of gout in children. Exercising regularly, increasing the amount of fiber intake in the daily diet, and drinking large amounts of water can reduce the likelihood of gout leading to an attack in adolescence.
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![Children who have not yet experienced puberty are typically not affected by symptoms associated with gout.]()
By: DreanAChildren who have not yet experienced puberty are typically not affected by symptoms associated with gout. -
![Gout typically affects men between the ages of 13 and 75.]()
By: Syda ProductionsGout typically affects men between the ages of 13 and 75. -
![People who drink between one and two alcoholic beverages a day are more susceptible to gout.]()
By: Stefano TiraboschiPeople who drink between one and two alcoholic beverages a day are more susceptible to gout. -
![Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.]()
Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout. -
![Many types of meat, especially those high in fat can contribute to gout.]()
Many types of meat, especially those high in fat can contribute to gout. -
![Uric acid is involved in the development of gout.]()
By: Alila Medical MediaUric acid is involved in the development of gout.
Discussion Comments
In relation to the last paragraph, I really like how it mentions that the problems associated with gout can derive from what we eat when we're children. In fact, the funny thing is that many diseases and/or joint problems we get when we're older derive from how well we took care of ourselves at a young age.
For example, if someone at a young age grew up on pizza and ramen noodles, when they get older, the could experience high blood pressure, signs of cholesterol, and even worse, possibly a heart attack. In life, it's all about connecting the dots.
Sometimes in the later stages of life, if we're experiencing problems with our health, its best to look at the big picture and maybe even ask ourselves - "Did I take care of myself at a young age?"
Speaking of gout, has anyone watched the show called Everybody Hates Chris? To make a long story short, the show revolves around the fictional life of a boy named Chris. However, the interesting thing about this black family is that the father has issues with gout, something that reoccurs throughout the series. Before watching the show, I had never even heard of gout. However, I'm glad the show touched upon the issue.
While it was portrayed in a more humorous way than it would have been in real life, it was tastefully done, and it's certainly something more people need to be aware of. On a final note, I like how one of the reasons that the father had gout was because of his health and poor eating habits. It really shows how a lot of the things that happen to us are because of our daily diets, which are something we can control.
While I have never had gout, I definitely know enough about to know that it can happen to just about anyone. Without a doubt, it's certainly a rather painful condition that more people need to be aware of.
On another note, I'm glad that the article brings up this issue, and even mentions the fact that many foods can contribute to this. In fact, not just referring to gout, but in general, there are many foods that we eat that can several contribute to our conditions.
Also, in some cases, there are even those diseases and conditions that come directly from what we eat, something which I feel the article indirectly touches upon. While I'm not sure if this has much relation to the article, I thought it would be interesting to bring up diabetes. Although it might be hereditary in some conditions, at other times, it's not. For example, one of the causes is eating too much sugar.
The reason why this leads to the disease is because you're giving you're body more sugar than it can handle. If you're wondering how this relates to the article, many of the foods that we eat can affect our physical being, just like many fattening foods can contribute to gout.
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