| Gout in Younger People: Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Prevention
Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. It was traditionally common among middle-aged men. However, Dr Yeung Wan-yin, Consultant in Rheumatology at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, observed a growing trend of gout affecting younger individuals, even patients in their twenties in recent years.
Dr Yeung emphasises that gout is not simply caused by diet. Genetic factors, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits also play a significant role. Gout mostly affects people over 40, especially men. Common lifestyle patterns include alcohol consumption and a preference for high-purine foods such as red meat, shellfish, and seafood, all of which increase the risk. Women are generally protected by hormones before menopause, making gout less common, but their risk rises significantly after menopause.
Typical gout attack symptoms: - Sudden severe joint pain, most commonly in the big toe, ankle or knee - Redness, swelling, restricted movement, and sometimes fever - Pain so intense that it seriously affects daily life, such as making walking difficult
Gout does not only cause severe pain. Persistently high uric acid levels can erode and deform joints and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr Yeung emphasises that early treatment, combined with medication and lifestyle management, can effectively control the condition, reduce recurrent attacks, and in some cases, allow patients to discontinue medication.
Preventing gout starts with daily habits: - Limit high-purine foods (e.g. red meat, seafood, beer) - Stay well-hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol - Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly (e.g. swimming, cycling) - Monitor uric acid levels regularly for early detection and treatment
If you suddenly experience joint redness and severe pain, do not rely solely on painkillers. Seek professional medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the condition more effectively and reduce recurrent attacks.
🔎Want to learn more about gout management and treatment? Click here to watch the full interview (in Chinese only), in which Dr Yeung Wan-yin explains the causes of gout, treatment options, and practical lifestyle tips.
痛風年輕化：成因、症狀及預防全攻略
痛風是最痛的關節炎之一，過去多見於中年男性。港怡醫院風濕病科顧問醫生楊韻姸指出，近年痛風有年輕化趨勢，當中不乏二十多歲的確診個案。
楊醫生強調，痛風並非單純因飲食引起。遺傳因素、荷爾蒙變化及生活模式同樣是誘發痛風的風險因素。雖然痛風主要影響40歲以上人士，尤其是男性，但一些飲食習慣會顯著增加風險，包括飲酒及偏好高嘌呤食物，如紅肉、貝類和海鮮。女性在更年期之前，由於有荷爾蒙的保護，故患上痛風的機率較低，但在更年期後風險會明顯上升。
痛風急性發作時，常見症狀包括： - 關節突然劇痛，最常影響大腳趾、踝關節或膝蓋 - 關節紅腫、活動受限，甚至可能伴隨發燒 - 痛楚嚴重，影響日常生活，如行走困難
痛風不僅帶來劇痛，長期高尿酸更會侵蝕關節導致變形，並增加心血管疾病風險。楊醫生提醒，及早治療並配合藥物與生活管理，可有效控制病情，減少反覆發作，部分患者甚至有機會可以停藥。
預防痛風，從生活習慣做起：
- 控制高嘌呤食物攝取（如紅肉、海鮮、啤酒） - 攝取充足水分，避免過量飲酒 - 維持適當體重，規律運動（如游泳、單車） - 定期檢查尿酸水平，以便及早發現及治療
如果突然出現關節紅腫並伴隨劇痛，切勿自行依靠止痛藥來緩解症狀，應儘快求醫，接受專業評估。及早診斷與治療，能更有效控制病情，減少反覆發作。
🔎想了解更多痛風管理及治療資訊？請即按此觀看完整訪問，由楊醫生講解痛風成因、治療方案及生活貼士。 | 
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