Is gouty arthritis considered an autoimmune disorder?

Answer 1

No. Gouty Arthritis is the result of excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood stream leading to the formation of fine sharp crystals that settle in joints among other places causing excruciating pain.

Answer 2

Though a Dr has just told me Gout is not an autoimmune condition- I know it is.

Many online Medics keep this other opinion going too. The initial build up of uric acid in the blood and then joints and tissues elsewhere is not autoimmune. Neither is the crystal build up [at critical lower temperatures] piercing cells due to this reaction.

The bodys' reaction to this causing white blood cells to collect and attack is autoimmune behaviour though- and that is what Gout is. A reaction to normal body fluids, but at elevated levels. It is also an inherited trait for people prone to arthritis in their family background.

Once your body has had this response- it is guaranteed to re-occur under similar conditions, hence the autoimmune tag. End of doubt.

That's why unless you control diet extremely carefully from thereon- you must take a uric acid reducer by stopping uptake &/or increasing output in urine. [My route , as I can't tolerate Allopurinol].

Interestingly, Uric Acid is an anti-oxidant, and would normally help the immune system work better.

I have suffered extreme pain over many years till I got a grip on this cruel affliction. The medical community is very out of touch with the cause and treatments- who knows why [historical bad press?] - but a Dr also told me he was suicidal once with it [in spine] and it was missed by two of his colleagues.

Avoid alcohol, stress, being overweight and cold extremities.

Don't overdo dieting- the bodies Uric load still increases.

Drink plenty of water daily.

Be wary of Thiazide diuretics and reduce high purine food intake [esp Beer].

Answer 3

Yes,