is it possible for a young female to have gaut?

basically what it says
having read several websites etc i'm quite sure i have gout in my big toe as i have all of the symptoms
i've been to see my gp but he won't give me anything stronger than ibruprofen (which so far has done nothing) and he says it's impossible for a female my age (18) to have gout. is this true?

Reply 1

FrisbeeFan

Do you mean gout?

Reply 2

munchkin18

er, what is it?

Reply 3

ßlαcksωαn

If it's gout, sure you can have. A friend of mine had it...keep off the beer apparently. Sorry im not sure on how to get rid of it though.

Reply 4

championhopper

oh yes sorry gout, so it is possible then, yes i have heard it is related to drinking. think it's time to change my gp

Reply 5

ßlαcksωαn

your gp sounds like a numb bat, if he doesn't know the answer to your question

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

Ahh - the internet!

Such a delight for GPs who have spent so many years studying - and now their patients type in their symptoms and come to the doc with a diagnosis already made!

See below:

"Gout is a relatively common joint problem which mainly effects middle-aged men."

"Gout is treated with anti-inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofen, which should be started as soon as possible."

http://www.mypharmacy.co.uk/health_information/topics/a/arthritis_rheumatism/gout.htm

Also

"Who is at risk?
Gout is a common joint disease affecting over five times more men than women. It is rare in children. In men, it can occur any time after puberty, whereas in women it is uncommon before the menopause. In around 10% of cases there is a family history of the disorder. People who are overweight, have high blood pressure, eat diets rich in protein and drink large quantities of alcohol have an increased risk of developing gout."
http://www.ukgoutsociety.org/docs/all_about_gout.doc

I think your doc sounds like a good bloke....esp as most docs wouldn't even prescribe the ibuprofen - you can buy it you know!