Shannon Chau
September 18, 2017
Lesson 1:3 Three Definitions –Gout
Introduction
Arthritis is a painful health condition caused by inflammation in the joints. One of the most common forms of arthritis is gout, which is typically provoked by the consumption of certain foods. In a hypothetical nutrition class, I am tasked to lead a brief lesson about goutto an audience aged 45 and above that has limited to no knowledge of this condition. I will be describing gout using three types of definitions: parenthetical definitions, sentence definition, and expanded definition.The main objective of this assignment is to learn how to convey information using the appropriate levels of detail to anaudience that is unfamiliar with the term you are defining.
GOUT
Parenthetical Definition
The patient has a history of gout (a painful form of arthritis).
Sentence Definition
Gout is a painful joint inflammation caused by uric acid build-up in the bloodstream.
Expanded Definition
What is gout?
According to the Arthritis Society (2017), gout is a painful form of arthritis (inflammation of the joints) that typically causes severe pain around the big toe, knee, or ankle. They report that gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid (a waste product found in the body) or when the kidneys cannot eliminate uric acid properly. Furthermore, when uric acid levels are elevated in the bloodstream, uric acid forms into crystals and is stored in the joints. These crystals irritate the joints, causing the area to swell and turn red. Eat Right Ontario (2017) states that alcohol, sugary beverages, processed carbohydrates, and meats are main contributors to gout as they contain compounds that break down into uric acid.
What is the history of gout?
Nuki and Simkin (2006) suggest that Egyptians were the first to document gout in 2640 BC. They report that prior to the 20th century, gout was referred to as the “disease of kings” as this condition was predominantly found in rich households that could afford luxurious foods and alcohol.In the present day, gout has become more commonamongst people of various economic statuses.This is partly due tofood becoming more accessible and affordable andpeople adopting sedentary lifestyles(Nuki and Simkin, 2006).
What does gout look like?
Figure 1: Diagram of gout
Source:
Who can get gout?
According to Eat Right Ontario (2017), gout can affect anyone and the risk of developing gout increases as we age.As mentioned previously, people that consume excessive amounts of meat, alcohol, sugary beverages, and processed carbohydrates have a higher risk of developing gout. Eat Right Ontario reports that obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease may also put people at risk for gout.In addition, gout is more common in men than women.
How is gout treated?
The Arthritis Foundation (2017) recommends takinganti-inflammatory medications that are prescribed by the doctor to help alleviate pain and to reduce swelling in the affected joint. In addition, medications that lower uric acid levels, which are also prescribed by doctors, are helpful in preventing gout from becoming a chronic condition (Arthritis Foundation, 2017).
Aside from taking medications, adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet can help prevent gout. Eat Right Ontario (2017) suggests that drinking water or milk rather than soda, sweetened fruit juice, and alcohol can lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream. They also recommend consuming more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains,as they are beneficial in reducing the risk of developing gout.Furthermore, an effort to partake in physical activity and maintain a healthy weight can prevent the reoccurrence of gout.
How is gout different compared to another form of arthritis?
Figure 2: Difference between rheumatoid arthritis and gout
Source:
People often confuse gout with rheumatoid arthritis and vice versa. There are notable differences, however. According to Whittaker (2012), gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream and is easily treatable with medications and changes to lifestyle, whereas the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown and incurable.She states that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can only be suppressed by anti-inflammatory medications.In addition, Whittaker reports that gout causes severe pain and swelling that is localized on the knees, ankles, and feet, while rheumatoid arthritis affects joints all over the body but vary from mild to severe pain.
Works Cited
Arthritis Foundation. (2017). What is gout?.Retrieved from
arthritis/types/gout/what-is-gout.php
Eat Right Ontario. (2017). Find out more about gout. Retrieved from
Nuki, G. and Simkin, P. A. (2006). A concise history of gout and hyperuricemia and
theirtreatment.Arthritis Research & Therapy, 8 (Suppl 1), S1–S1.doi:10.1186/ar1906.
The Arthritis Society. (2017). Gout. Retrieved from
arthritis/types-of-arthritis/gout#Overview
Whittaker, C. (2012). Understanding the difference between gout, osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. SA Pharmacist’s Assistant, 12 (2), 6-7. Retrieved from