There is no permanent cure for gout. Gout usually has a tendency to recur. It might be a several months before gout strikes again. But without proper management, the attacks will become more frequent and more intense over a period of time. Treatment of gout is targeted at pain relief during an acute attack of gout, management of symptoms in order to prevent further attacks and t prevent complications like formation of tophi or permanent joint destruction. Treatment of gout is based on a few guidelines as follows:

Use of medicines to reduce the pain and swelling of joints

During an attack of gout there is intense pain and swelling of joints. The joints are red and inflamed. The pain in the joints can be so intense that slightest touch can cause aggravation of the pain. During an attack of gout, NSAIDS or non steroid anti inflammatory drugs is the first line of treatment. NSAIDS are initially prescribed at maximum dosage and reduced as symptoms subside. The doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids to some patients who cannot take NSAIDS. The physician may also prescribe pain killers as the person suffers intense pan during a gout attack.

Avoid the intake of purine rich foods

Foods such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas and tomatoes are high in their purine content. Excessive consumption of these foods causes elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This leads to a gout attack. Hence a person who suffers from this condition must avoid the intake of purine rich foods.

Treat high blood pressure

Gout attacks are often associated with high blood pressure. Hence maintaining blood pressure within the normal range is necessary to prevent a gout attacks.

Treat associated symptoms like kidney stones

Increased levels of uric acid often lead to formation of kidney stones. Hence it is important to treat the associated symptoms.

Avoid or cut down on alcohol intake

Gout attacks are linked to heavy drinking. Alcoholic drinks like beer and wine are high in their purine content. Hence it is important to avoid alcohol completely during an attack of gout.

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day

It is important for a person suffering from gout t maintain adequate fluid levels in the body. Dehydration causes fluid imbalance in the body and may lead to a gout attack. Hence people affected by gout must drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and avoid being dehydrated.

Regular exercise is necessary for weight control

Obese people are at an increased risk of suffering from a gout attack. Hence these people must exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy body weight.

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What is uric acid?

There are certain substances called purines in the body. Purines are DNA building blocks derived from protein. Purines are also found in some foods and drinks, such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, beer, and wine. When the body breaks down these purines it leads to the formation of a chemical called uric acid. Most of the uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys. From the kidneys uric acid is eliminated from the body via urine. If the body produces excess amount of uric acid or if the body is unable to eliminate the excess amount of uric acid then it leads to abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. High levels of uric acid in the body lead to a condition called hyperuricemia. This condition does not present any symptoms of arthritis. When uric acid precipitates in a joint (often the big toe) it causes an acute arthritis.

Incidence of Gout

This condition commonly affects men. The age group that is most likely to show symptoms of gout is the middle age group. It is also found in upper classes of the society. Developed countries have a higher incidence of gout.

Symptoms of Gout

An attack of gout happens suddenly, often overnight. The most common site for gout attacks is the big toe, but gout may affect other joints as well like ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. The symptoms of gout include sudden and intense pain in the affected joints. The joints have a swollen, red and inflamed appearance. The pain in the joints can be so intense that slightest touch can cause aggravation of the pain. The joints are warm to touch and cause considerable restrictions in mobility. In some cases the symptoms of gout can also be accompanied by fever.

Without treatment, the symptoms of a gout attack can subside within a week. Gout usually has a tendency to recur. It might be a several months before gout strikes again. But without proper management, the attacks will become more frequent and more intense over a period of time. These attacks can affect other joints. A joint might be permanently damaged by recurring attacks of gout, and may develop osteoarthritis. Uric acid can also lodge in surrounding tissues. In many cases, people suffering from gout often complain of kidney stones or stones in the bladder. This is again linked to the increased levels of uric acid in the body.

Diagnosis of Gout

Gout is diagnosed with the help of blood tests. Blood tests are used to measure the auric acid levels. Increased levels of uric acid along with the associated symptoms confirm the diagnosis of gout.

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