Stages of Gout
Gout can progress through different stages which are usually referred to as the types of gout [2]. These stages are;
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: in this stage, a person will have elevated uric acid levels in the blood without manifesting any symptoms of gout. There may be deposition of uric acid crystals o tissues, but the symptoms are yet to begin.
- Acute gout: refers to d sudden flare or attack of gout symptoms caused by deposition of urate crystals.
- Intercritical gout: in this stage, more crystals are being deposited in tissues. It is the break between attacks of gout.
- Chronic tophaceous gout: it takes quite a long time to reach this stage. Early treatment can prevent the patient from getting to this stage. There is already permanent damage to joints, kidneys, and many structures in the body in this stage. It is a stage also characterized by the development of tophi.