Gout is a severe form of rheumatism that produces swelling, redness, and joint stiffness. Gout is characterized by elevated uric acid amounts in the tissues and blood due to abnormal metabolism.
Purine-rich meals such as liver and dried legumes can raise the body's uric acid level. Increased uric acid amounts can also induce kidney stones.
Gout most frequently affects the big toe but can also affect the feet, heels, knees, wrists, fingertips, and elbows. Gout, if left unchecked, can lead to irreversible joint and kidney harm.
Pseudo-gout is a disease with identical symptoms to gout, but it differs from gout in that it is caused by calcium phosphate rather than uric acid.
Treatment of Gout
Gout medicines are classified into two kinds that address two distinct issues. The first variety alleviates the inflammation and discomfort associated with gout episodes. The second variety helps to avoid gout problems by reducing the quantity of uric acid in your blood.
Which medicine is best for you is determined by the regularity and severity of your symptoms and any other health problems you may have.
Medication to Treat Gout Attacks
The following medicines are used to manage gout flares and avoid future attacks:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs include over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), as well as stronger prescribed medications like indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex) or celecoxib. (Celebrex). NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bleeding, and sores.
- Colchicine: Your doctor may prescribe colchicine (Colcrys, Gloperba, Mitigare), an anti-inflammatory medication that successfully relieves gout discomfort. However, adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may negate the drug's efficacy.
- Corticosteroids: Prednisone and other corticosteroid drugs may help to manage gout inflammation and pain. Corticosteroids can be taken as pills or infused into your joint. Corticosteroids can cause emotional shifts, increased blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure.
Medication to Prevent Gout Complications
If you have several gout attacks per year, or if your gout attacks are less common but more severe, your doctor may suggest medicine to reduce your risk of gout-related problems.
If joint X-rays show gout injury, or if you have tophi, chronic renal failure, or kidney stones, uric acid-lowering medicines may be prescribed.
- Medications that block uric acid production: Allopurinol (Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric) help restrict the quantity of uric acid your body produces. Fever, rash, hepatitis, and renal issues are all possible side effects of allopurinol. Febuxostat's adverse effects include rash, dizziness, and decreased liver function. Febuxostat may also raise the chance of cardiac failure.
- Medications that improve uric acid removal: Probenecid (Probalan) and other drugs help enhance your kidneys' capacity to remove uric acid from your body. A rash, abdominal discomfort and kidney stones are some side effects.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Medications are frequently the most effective method to manage gout attacks and avoid repeated symptom flares. However, lifestyle decisions are also essential, and you may want to:
- Select healthier drinks: Limit alcoholic liquids and drinks enhanced with plant sugar. (fructose). Drink plenty of nonalcoholic drinks, particularly water.
- Avoid purine-rich meals: Purines are particularly abundant in red flesh and organic foods like the liver. Anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, salmon, and tuna are examples of purine-rich shellfish. Low-fat dairy items may be a superior source of protein for gout sufferers.
- Lose weight by exercising frequently: Maintaining a healthy body weight lowers your chance of gout. Low-impact sports like strolling, bicycling, and swimming are better for your joints.
In Conclusion
Gout is a painful and chronic condition that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. While gout has no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Changes in lifestyle, such as keeping a healthful weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding certain foods can help prevent gout attacks.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and other substances, and colchicine can provide relief during a flare-up. In addition, medications such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) and uricosuric agents can help prevent future targets the body by lowering uric acid levels body.