Gout Treatment: is a particular form of arthritis that causes recurrent attacks of severe pain at one or more joints. Usually, gout attacks last a few days, then the symptoms disappear for several weeks. All joints are likely affected, but most often, the disease develops first in the one at the base of the big toe. The joint then becomes purplish-red and swollen. An abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia, is causing gout. Uric acid is one of the wastes that the body’s metabolism normally produces (see causes, further on). When there is a surplus, uric acid is gradually deposited in the body in the form of crystals, among others in the joints. These deposits trigger inflammatory reactions. Gout affects close to 2% of adults, especially men. The first crisis occurs typically around the age of 30 to 45 years for men and after menopause for women.
Here is what happens in the body of an affected person. Uric acid is, in a way, a waste that the body must eliminate. It is the final product of purine degradation. About two-thirds of the purines, eliminated each day come from the dead cells of the body, and one-third of the ingested food. Red meat, and seafood, such as, are very rich in purines. Normally, a certain amount of uric acid is circulating in the blood. However, if uric acid is present in too great a measure, and the kidneys do not succeed in eliminating this excess, its blood concentration increases. The body is then hyperuricemia.
Over the years, excess uric acid deposited in the tissues in the form of crystals of sodium urate. The deposits form in the joints, or elsewhere in the body (under the skin, in the cartilages, in the kidneys, etc.). The white blood cells then try to get rid of them by “eating” them by phagocytosis. As a result, the crystals damage the white blood cells, which triggers a violent inflammation that lasts up to 2 weeks, if left untreated. For reasons unknown, hyperuricemia does not always cause symptoms. In fact, only one-third of people with hyperuricemia have gout. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of the adult population is hyperuricemia.
Since gout is better known today and there are several ways of controlling it, the quality of life of those suffering from it has improved greatly. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the number of seizures and prevent permanent damage to the joints. In the absence of treatment, the first crisis disappears spontaneously in 1 to 2 weeks. During the first 24 to 36 hours, the pains are intense. The slightest pressure on the joints is unbearable, and it may even be impossible to put on a stocking. On the other hand, if the crisis treated quickly, it lasts from 1 to 2 days. Often, a new crisis triggered from 6 months to 2 years later. Only a small proportion of affected people will have only one attack of gout in their lifetime.
As the case demands, the physician will use one or the other of the following types of a specimen.
Gout Treatment: People at Risk
First, Men, probably from puberty, their blood uric acid level is naturally higher than that of women.
Second, and on the other hand, at menopause, women have a similar level of uric acid as men, and the gender gap narrows. Before menopause, estrogen hormones activate the removal of uric acid by the kidneys.
Plus, Individuals with any of the following health problems:
Third, People who take certain medications, such as diuretics and aspirin took regularly at low doses.
Forth, People who have a family history of gout. A hereditary metabolic problem could lead to excessive production of uric acid in the body.
Here are some factors that contribute to increasing uric acid production or decreasing its excretion:
These are measures to reduce the risk of recurrence and complications:
In the past, monitoring diet was the primary means of treating gout. Nowadays, as some drugs reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood, doctors no longer necessarily restrict their patients to a strict diet. However, foods rich in purines raise blood uric acid levels, and some recommend they are banned during a gout attack (see Medical Treatments section).
Here are the recommendations of the Professional Order of Dietitians of Quebec in terms of diet, which it is advisable to follow between crises or in case of chronic gout.
Coffee is not avoided in the case of gout, because it contains negligible amounts of purines. According to epidemiological studies, it appears that the regular consumption of coffee would even have a slight protective effect against this disease.
The link between dietary intake of vitamin C and uric acid in the blood studied in a group of 1,387 men under the Health Professional Follow-up Study. The higher the intake of vitamin C, the lower the level of uric acid. However, this finding will have to be verified by other studies.
Warning. Ketogenic diets are not recommended for people with gout. This type of diet is particularly low in carbohydrates and high in fat. Ketogenic diets reduce the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. This is the case of the Atkins diet, for example.
There is no curative treatment for gout at this time. The therapeutic approach acts on two levels. it aims:
In the event of a seizure, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®, Anaprox®). These act quickly. If nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective, oral treatment with Colchicine (Colchimax®) may help. This medicine has an anti-inflammatory and pain-killing effect. It was the first used to relieve gout. Taken for a long time, it also reduces the frequency of seizures.
On the other hand, it does not prevent the formation of crystals of uric acid in the joints. The majority of users have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These important side effects explain why colchicine is no longer the first drug proposed to relieve pain. If the patient is not relieved by previous treatments, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids, may be prescribed (eg prednisone). They are taken either orally, in tablets, or by injection into the diseased joint.
Warning: Aspirin, a popular anti-inflammatory, contraindicated in cases of gout, as it raises the level of uric acid.
Medication used to lower uric acid levels to prevent seizures and reduce the risk of kidney problems and permanent joint damage. It works in two ways and gives interesting results.
Do not begin treatment with allopurinol before the complete end of an acute gout attack. Otherwise, the crisis may re-emerge.
Here are a few tips:
Other changes in diet vary from one person to another, depending on the state of health. It is better to consult a nutritionist for personal advice.
Unleash your inner artist with our meticulously crafted Halloween Costume Bob Ross - experience the…
Learn the secrets to deep clean your house quickly and efficiently. Follow our expert guidelines…
Discover the top Cybersecurity Trends shaping remote work in 2024. Protect your business from emerging…
Explore how Generative AI industries are poised to revolutionize sectors from healthcare to finance and…
Whether you like to run to have proper training for your body or you want…
Cucumber has many health benefits and virtues. Rich in water, this vegetable provides vitamin C,…