Not everyone can recognize the difference between rheumatism and gout. Many people think that he has rheumatism, when in fact he has gout and vice versa. These two conditions do look similar, but have different causes and treatments.
Both rheumatism and gout, can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. Both of these conditions can also interfere with daily activities. However, there are differences between rheumatism and gout that are important for you to know.
Various Differences in Rheumatism and Gout
Clinically, the difference between rheumatism and gout is where the inflammation occurs. Gout occurs when excess uric acid levels in the body settle in joints, bones, and body tissues.
Pain in gout usually appears suddenly and is felt in the fingers or joints of the feet, either in one or both feet
Meanwhile, rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis caused by chronic inflammation generally causes pain in the joints on both sides of the body and is accompanied by joint stiffness.
Rheumatism is also sometimes characterized by swelling, redness, and a burning sensation in painful areas of the body. However, these symptoms can also be found in people with gout.
Other differences from rheumatism and gout are:
Cause difference
Rheumatism is an autoimmune disease that is generally caused by genetic factors. So far, the trigger for the emergence of rheumatic symptoms is not known with certainty, but it is thought to be related to viral infections and smoking habits.
Meanwhile, gout is often caused by eating too many foods high in purines, such as meat, offal, fish, shellfish, whole wheat bread, and cereals.
Differences in risk factors
Rheumatism can attack young and old age groups. However, this disease is more commonly found in the elderly group (elderly) over 60 years. Rheumatism is also more common in women than men.
Meanwhile, uric acid is more commonly found in the young adult age group with excess body weight and is more common in men. The habit of consuming alcoholic beverages or foods with added sweeteners can also increase the risk of developing gout.
Differences in treatment
Please note that until now, there is no effective treatment to cure rheumatic conditions. The treatment steps taken are generally only to relieve the symptoms that appear.
Medicines such as antirheumatic, painkillers, and corticosteroids will be given by the doctor, but the treatment needs to be adjusted to the severity of the rheumatism suffered.
For gout conditions, treatment can be with drugs such as: colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. So that the uric acid level in the body is not too high, the doctor will also give uric acid-lowering drugs such as: allopurinol and advise you to limit your intake of foods high in purines and alcohol.
Gout and rheumatism can sometimes be similar to each other. However, basically, the two conditions are caused by different things. Therefore, you should consult a doctor so that treatment and treatment can be carried out appropriately.
How to prevent rheumatism and gout
In general, the most effective way to prevent rheumatism and gout is to lead a healthier lifestyle by exercising regularly, as well as quitting smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
In addition, some ways that can also be done to prevent rheumatism and gout are as follows:
Applying a healthy diet
You can do a healthy diet so as not to trigger the symptoms of rheumatism and gout to reoccur. Living a healthy diet can be done by staying away from alcoholic beverages, limiting meat consumption, and reducing foods high in purines, especially for people with gout.
Maintain ideal body weight
Being overweight or obese can be a risk factor for gout and rheumatism. Therefore, maintaining an ideal body weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can prevent symptoms from appearing.
Limiting exposure to environmental pollutants
There are studies that state that exposure to environmental pollution can increase the risk of rheumatism. If your job is at high risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, be sure to wear proper personal protective equipment while working.
The picture of symptoms in these two diseases is sometimes similar to each other. Therefore, it is important for you to recognize the differences between rheumatism and gout.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor to ensure the condition you are experiencing, given the difference between rheumatism and gout, including how to treat it.
