Hyperuricemia and Gout - Old Disease with New Challenges

Gout is one of the oldest diseases of mankind. In recent time the incidence of gout and hyperuricemia has been increased due to faulty life style and bad food habits. Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism. Hyperuricemia alone is one of the most common risk factor for development of gout. Clinically gout is characterized by pain and swelling of joints, especially 1st metatarsal joint. Conventional system uses analgesics and urate lowering drugs, but they usually produce adverse drug reactions. This article is about basic knowledge of hyperuricemia and gout.