What is gout and how can it be treated?

Question

I've heard that it is something about salt crystals forming round a bone. Will drinking lots of water and reducing salt intake help? Or do you need drugs?

Thanks from TW x - and my gran!

Answer 1

Gout is condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is characterized by an overload of uric acid in the body and recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis). Chronic gout can lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones.

Preventing acute gout attacks is equally as important as treating the acute arthritis. Prevention of acute gout involves maintaining adequate fluid intake, weight reduction, dietary changes, reduction in alcohol consumption, and medications to reduce hyperuricemia.

Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps prevent acute gout attacks. Adequate fluid intake also decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in patients with gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects which can contribute to dehydration and precipitate acute gout attacks. Alcohol can also affect uric acid metabolism and cause hyperuricemia. It causes gout by impeding (slowing down) the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys as well as by causing dehydration, which precipitates the crystals in the joints.

Dietary changes can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Since purine chemicals are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods are avoided. Examples of foods rich in purine include shellfish and organ meats, such as liver, brains, kidneys, and sweetbreads. Researchers have reported, in general, that meat or seafood consumption increases the risk of gout attacks, while dairy consumption seemed to reduce the risk! Protein intake or purine-rich vegetable consumption was not associated with an increased risk of gout. Total alcohol intake was strongly associated with an increased risk of gout (beer and liquor were particularly strong factors).

Weight reduction can be helpful in lowering the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. This is best accomplished by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake, combined with a regular aerobic exercise program.

There are three aspects to the medication treatment of gout. First, pain relievers such as acetaminophen/Tylenol or other more potent analgesics are used to manage pain. Secondly, anti-inflammatory agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), colchicine, and corticosteroids are used to decrease joint inflammation. Finally, medications are considered for managing the underlying metabolic derangement that causes hyperuricemia and gout. This means treating the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood with medications that reduce these levels.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Gout is a condition cause by too much uric acid in your body. It usually involves the big toe and the area underneath it by the bunion area. It is very painful and if not treated will definitely reoccur. There is medication to stop this from happening also including an anti-inflammatory.
Janet

Answer 4

Because the body metabolizes purines into uric acid, a maintained, low-purine diet can help lower the plasma urate level. Avoiding alcohol, high-purine foods, such as meat, fish, dry beans (also lentils and peas), mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and cauliflower can lower plasma urate levels. In addition, consuming purine-neutralizing foods, such as fresh fruits (especially cherries and strawberries) and most fresh vegetables, diluted celery juice, distilled water, and B-complex and C vitamins can also help lower plasma urate levels.

A strong natural cure is a berry extract supplement consisting of bilberry, blueberry or cherry extracts. The anthocyanins which give the berries their blue and purple hues, after entering the body, turn into powerful anti-inflammatories. These might be an especially preferable option to transplant patients, who frequently suffer gout due to increased toxicity and strain on the kidneys due to their immunosuppressant medication.

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Acutely, first line treatment should be pain relief. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the drugs of choice are indomethacin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or intra-articular glucocorticoids, administered via a joint injection.

Colchicine was previously the drug of choice in acute attacks of gout. It impairs the motility of granulocytes and can prevent the inflammatory phenomena that initiate an attack of gout. Colchicine should be taken within the first 12 hours of the attack and usually relieves the pain within 48 hours. Its main side-effects (gastrointestinal upset) can complicate its use. NSAIDs are the preferred form of analgesia for patients with gout.

Before medical help is available, some over the counter medication can provide temporary relief to the pain and swelling. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can reduce the pain and inflammation slightly, although aspirin should not be used as it can worsen the condition. Preparation H hemorrhoidal ointment can be applied to the swollen skin to reduce the swelling temporarily. Professional medical care is needed for long term management of gout.

Answer 5

Gout is a form of arthritis and is treated with anti inflammatory meds in the same way.

Answer 6

Gout usually affects the extremities & joints of the body eg toes, fingers , knees etc it is caused by crystals of uric acid building up, drink lots of fresh water but you certainly need medical advice, once you have had it, it will re occur unless you change your lifestyle, good luck

Answer 7

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The main symptoms include bleeding during the bowel movement and itching. The first thing that people do to cure hemorrhoids is get an OTC medication, without knowing their possible side effects.

Answer 8

Babe no it isnt salt crystals and no it doesnt form on the bone. It grows between the joints of the bone destroying the cartilidge. They used to say rich food caused and thing like brandy and port. According to my old medical book it says uric acid causes it and is produced in the kidneys as urine. I dont really know a lot but would suggest seeing the doc and drinking plenty of fluids. I got it in one big toe and yes it does hurt. But dont take aspirin that can make it worse. Hope it helps and see the doc.

Answer 9

It is urea crystals accumulating in the joint. If its the first time elevate the painful joint above head if possible and drink loads of water, preferably bottled as it is not hard and has not been softened with salt.
Only eat white meat and veggies and no red wine for a while and it should clear up. If its a long standing problem then I am sorry the joint is probably permanently damaged.

Answer 10

Uric Acid build up. I was just diagnosed with it. I am a young female and that is not common. Usually starts in your big toe. It is an arthritis. A blood test is needed to confirm. You need to take drugs and aviod alcohol and seafood to name a few.
It is extreemly painful!!