Gout

Pluta et al provide information on gout, an excruciating painful inflammatory disease of the joints. It is caused by an increased level of uric acid, which, when crystallized, can produce inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. Gout has been linked to major medical conditions such as heart attack, diabetes, and premature death. For years, gout has been thought to affect mostly men. Legends of kings suffering from podagra after eating meat and drinking alcohol led to gout being called "the disease of kings." However, over the last several decades, the frequency of gout has almost doubled, including in women.