Differentiating Pseudogout and Gout: A Look at Their Distinct Features
Gout and Pseudogout are two types of arthritis that share some symptoms but have distinct causes and treatments.
Gout
Gout is primarily caused by the deposition of urate crystals in the joints, resulting from hyperuricemia (elevated levels of uric acid in the blood). The main causes of hyperuricemia include:
- Underexcretion of uric acid, often due to renal impairment or the use of medications like diuretics.
- Overproduction of uric acid, which can be due to genetic disorders or an increased intake of purine-rich foods.
- Alcohol consumption, which increases uric acid production and reduces its excretion.
Gout flares tend to occur at night and can last for a few weeks. They are often triggered by factors such as foods, sugary beverages, medications, alcohol, physical trauma, illness, environmental temperature and humidity, and dehydration. Gout treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications such as colchicine, ibuprofen, and corticosteroids, as well as medications to reduce uric acid levels and drugs to break down uric acid.
Pseudogout
Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in the joint fluid. This condition primarily affects older adults and those with degenerative joint diseases. It does not have a specific time of day for flares, unlike gout.
Pseudogout's symptoms are less influenced by factors such as body temperature, and arthritis symptoms in pseudogout tend to occur in joints responsible for weight-bearing and movement. This condition may occur alongside conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemochromatosis, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, calcium supplementation, and more. There are no medications to reduce pseudogout crystals.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Both conditions can present with the same joint symptoms, including pain, redness, and swelling. However, doctors can use physical exams, medical history checks, blood work, joint fluid analysis, and imaging such as X-ray and ultrasound to diagnose gout and pseudogout. A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they experience pain, swelling, or heat on and around the joints.
Over time, the same uric acid buildup that causes gout can lead to kidney stones and the formation of tophi, hard lumps of crystal under the skin that can damage bone or cause joint deformation. Pseudogout does not typically flare in response to triggers.
In conclusion, while gout and pseudogout share some symptoms, they have distinct causes and treatments. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Gout, often accompanied by musculoskeletal pain and aches, is primarily caused by the deposition of urate crystals in the joints, resulting from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.
- Pseudogout, on the other hand, is caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the joint fluid, and it commonly affects older adults and those with chronic diseases like osteoarthritis.
- Both conditions exhibit symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling around the joints, but a healthcare professional can use various methods like blood work, joint fluid analysis, and imaging to diagnose them accurately.
- Untreated gout may lead to chronic health-and-wellness issues such as kidney stones and the formation of hard lumps called tophi under the skin, which can cause bone damage or joint deformation.
- Pseudogout does not typically respond to triggers like gout, but it can occur alongside medical-conditions such as hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis.
