Acute gout, or gouty arthritis, is a form of arthritis that causes sudden attacks of tenderness and pain in the joints. Gout can affect anyone, but is more common in men or postmenopausal women. Gout occurs when excess uric acid triggers the formation of sharp urate crystals around the body's joints. These urate crystals can cause severe pain and inflammation in the affected joints. Gout symptoms may be treated and prevented with medications. Also, dietary changes can help to prevent gout attacks.
Causes of Gout
Gout is caused by an accumulation of urate crystals around a joint. This accumulation cause severe inflammation and pain in the affected joint. These crystals form as a result of high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is produced when purines are broken down in the body and is also obtained from some foods such as mushrooms, asparagus, herring, anchovies and organ meats. Uric acid is supposed to be dissolved in the blood and sent to the kidneys and then excreted in the urine. However, sometimes the kidneys do not expel enough uric acid or the body makes too much of it. The excess uric acid crystallizes into sharp urate crystals around joints.
Gout Risks
Individuals who consume excess alcohol are more likely to suffer from gout. Some diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis increase the risk of gout. Medications such as thiazide diuretics and low-dose aspirin also increase the amount of uric acid in the body. Gout needs to be treated to prevent more intense pain and damage of the affected joints. Doctors can diagnose gout using a joint fluid test and a blood test. Medications will be needed to treat gout effectively.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by gout. NSAIDs can be bought without a prescription or stronger versions may be acquired with a doctor's prescription. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Colchicine may be used to control gout in those individuals who cannot take NSAIDs.
Steriods
Prednisone may be used to treat gout inflammation and pain. Prednisone can be taken in pill form or it can be injected directly into the affected joints. Steroids are usually used when NSAIDs or Colchicine cannot be used.
Uric Acid Production Blockers
Individuals who have frequent gout attacks may be prescribed Zyloprim or Aloprim. These medications reduce the amount of uric acid produced in the body. Side effects of these medications include low blood counts and skin rashes.
Uric Acid Removers
A medication called Probenicid may be used to help the kidney remove excess uric acid from the body. This medication may cause the formation of kidney stones. Other side effects include stomach pain and skin rashes.
Gout Diet
According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet with fewer purines may help reduce the risk of gout attacks. A gout diet would include increased amounts of low-fat dairy products and complex carbohydrates with reduced amounts of red meat and seafood. Also, alcohol should be avoided. For those individuals who are overweight, losing weight can also help to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body.
Tags: urate crystals, uric acid, acid body, affected joints, amount uric, amount uric acid, crystals around