Gout attacks are caused by the inability of the body to efficiently eliminate the uric acids that should be broken down in blood and excreted from the kidneys. Uric crystal deposits form in the body and can accumulate in joints. This causes redness, swelling, and pain. The severity of pain experienced by sufferers can vary from mild to severe. Gout can affect the ability to move. The uric substances can also build up in the hands. Sometimes, mild fever may also be present. This disease can make it difficult to carry out your daily tasks.
Purine
Gout is often linked to foods high in purine. Beef and seafood are two foods that can increase uric acids. Consuming large amounts of alcohol is also believed to raise uric acid levels. Other conditions that could make you more vulnerable to this illness include obesity, high blood pressure and stress, as well as old age. Children of parents with this disease are more likely to be at risk. This form of arthritis is more common in men than in women. Many sufferers will experience advanced stages of the disease.
The symptoms in the early stages are often not obvious and can be overlooked. Gout attacks can occur once in a life time and may never return. Some people can bear the pain and continue to do their normal activities. Others prefer to rest when they feel it.
Cold Compress
Applying cold compresses to the affected area will also help to reduce swelling. The situation will get worse if you apply too much pressure. To properly diagnose the disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An increase in uric acids could indicate a more serious medical condition, such as kidney failure. An attack can last up to two weeks before it goes away. The time it takes to recover from an attack can be cut down by taking prescribed medications.
You can return to work in less that a week by following the instructions of your doctor. Doctors may need to take a blood sample to determine the amount of uric acid in the body. They may also need to extract fluid from the affected joints using a syringe to further examine the condition. This will allow doctors to diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment. The patient will need to be monitored closely and must visit the doctor on an ongoing basis.
Conclusion
The frequency of visits will depend on the patient’s medical condition. Gout treatment and prevention is best achieved by changing your lifestyle. This will require a change in lifestyle, such as a diet that is healthier. Red meat, seafood, and alcohol are not strictly prohibited. However, they should be used in moderation.