Gout attacks are a common condition. People seek treatment for severe pain. Regular medical treatments can be very ineffective and can cause side effects. Many people look for self-help at-home treatments. Many times, treatment begins with medications that your doctor will prescribe based on your current health and your preferences. These medications can be used to treat acute attacks as well as prevent future ones. They also reduce the risk of complications such as the tophi. Tophi is a result of untreated gout and the accumulation of uric acid crystals.
Gout Management
Gout can be managed at home. Although medications are the best and most proven method of treatment, it is important that you take all possible steps in your daily life to help you manage your gout. You should drink at least eight to sixteen cups of fluids per day. At least half of these should be water. Avoid alcohol and limit your intake to 4 to 6 ounces per day of foods high in purines such as fish, meat, and poultry.
A better option is to eat a lot of protein from healthier sources such as tofu, low fat dairy, eggs, and nut butters. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and indomethacin are most commonly used. These medications can cause bleeding, ulcers, stomach pain, and stop providing any relief after a certain dose.
Side Effects
Aspirin should not be used as it can increase uric acid retention. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are another prescribed drug. These are usually used when severe cases of gout occur. These drugs can provide relief, but they can also cause wounds that are not well healed, thin bones, and weaken your immune system. You can inject cortisone into the affected joint once a year, but only three times due to side effects.
Allopurinol, colchicines, and probenecid are also prescribed to be taken in daily doses to reduce the severity. Allopurinol prevents the formation of uric acids, colchicines can reduce swelling and prevent attacks from happening, and probenecid lowers the frequency of attacks by increasing the amount of uric Acid excreted by your kidneys.
Final Tip
Gout symptoms can be treated at home with a variety of treatments. These methods, in addition to changing your diet, can provide some relief from gout attacks. Baking soda – Baking soda can help lower your body’s uric acid. For severe cases, you may need to wait two to three days before you feel relief. Mix half a teaspoon baking soda with eight ounces water, and then take it all in one go.