Gout is a common metabolic condition that causes high blood levels of uric acids (UA). Gout can be caused by either an inability to excrete (get rid) UA or an overproduction. In any case, the result is that monosodium urate deposits build up in joints and other organs over time, especially the kidneys. This is the main organ responsible for excreting UA. If enough UA is present, an attack with gouty arthritis will occur. GA usually affects a joint in the leg. It preferentially attacks the ankle, knee, and foot. GA attacks are most common in the morning and often wake patients from their sleep. The pain increases in intensity and is accompanied with redness, swelling, and heat. The pain can be so severe that even the “weight of a bedsheet” may cause unbearable discomfort.
Treatment
GA treatment can be divided into two categories: treatment for acute attacks and treatment for chronic disease. This article will concentrate on the treatment for an acute attack. There are many options available. The decision about which path to take will depend on the severity of the attack, where it occurred, whether there was an infection, and whether the patient has any co-morbid conditions. These conditions could also impact the outcome of treatment. Ice may also be helpful, as it reduces inflammation. The most common treatment for acute attacks is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS).
NSAIDS should always be used immediately and tapered if the attack is under control. These medications can cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage and aggravation or hypertension. They also increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Patients taking blood thinners should avoid them. They should be avoided in elderly patients. Colchicine is a well-known medication that effectively blocks gout inflammation. A low dose of 0.6 mgs twice daily for 1-2 days might be enough to stop an attack. There are a few side effects to colchicine that can limit its use.
These side effects include nausea, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, neurologic and muscle damage, as well as stomach cramps. Patients with kidney disease or liver problems should not use it. If only one or two of the affected joints are affected, glucocorticoids (“cortisone”) may be administered directly to them. Or they can be administered intramuscularly or by mouth. Glucocorticoids can be used in place of NSAIDs or colchicine. Biologic therapy is a new approach to the treatment of acute gout attacks. It blocks interleukin-1. It is extremely effective, but it has the downside of being very expensive.
Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia refers to excessive levels of uric acid found in the blood. Uric acid is created when an organism breaks down purines, which are chemical compounds found in both our bodies and in many foods, particularly those that are high in protein. The uric acid is then dissolved in blood and flushed out by the kidneys as urine. If the body cannot remove enough uric acid from its blood, the level can become elevated. Hyperuricemia is a condition that causes excessive uric acid in the body. Hyperuricemia is a condition where excessive levels of uric acid in the blood crystallize and eventually end up on your joints, causing severe and recurring pain.
You need to monitor your body’s levels of uric acid to prevent or treat gout attacks. A simple blood test is usually all that’s required to determine if you need treatment. Gout is most common in those who have a family history. Gout can also be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and leukemia. If you have a high level of uric acid in blood, you should consult your doctor to find out what you can do to prevent gout pain or to get relief from gout. You may be advised to take gout medications or to stick to natural remedies and a low-purine diet depending on your individual condition.
Healthy Diet
Gout problems can be treated with a healthy diet. You will need to adhere to the gout diet daily. It is important to eat foods that are healthy and will heal you. This will save you money on medication and side effects. Reduce the intake of purine-rich foods to get the best results for gout. Reduce your intake of beer, other types of alcohol, red meat, legumes and mushrooms, herring, and other harmful substances. To maintain a low-purine diet you will need to eat more bread, cereals, tofu and dark berries as well as fruits and vegetables.
It is important to keep your body hydrated and drink enough water each day. Hyperuricemia can lead to kidney stones, which can be more difficult to treat. Another reason to flush uric acid from your body is because it can cause kidney stones. Whatever way you decide to treat your gout, or prevent it from developing, you should visit your doctor regularly and monitor the level of uric acid within your blood. This will allow you to know what works for you and what doesn’t. You might want to combine medical and natural methods of treating hyperuricemia. In order to get the gout relief that you desire, you may need to adjust these settings as well.