A 50-year-old male patient presents to the clinic with acute onset of severe joint pain, swelling, and redness in his left big toe. He describes the pain as excruciating and mentions that it started overnight. On examination, the affected joint is warm to the touch, and there is visible swelling and tenderness. The patient reports a history of consuming a diet rich in red meat and alcohol. What is the major cause of this patient’s current disorder?
Group of answer choices
- Low purine diet
- Overhydration
- Increased excretion of uric acid
- Increased production of uric acid
The correct answer is:
Increased production of uric acid
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Explanation:
This patient is presenting with a classic case of gout, particularly podagra (gout of the big toe). A diet high in purines—commonly found in red meat and alcohol—leads to increased production of uric acid, which then precipitates in joints as monosodium urate crystals, triggering intense inflammation and pain.
