Gout
Alternate Names : Acute Gout, Gouty Arthritis, Acute Gouty Arthritis
What are the treatments for the disease?
There are treatments for both the acute phase of gout and for preventing
flare-ups of symptoms. For acute attacks, the anti-inflammatory medication
colchicine is used to reduce the pain. Indomethacin and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, are also useful.
Occasionally, pain
medications may be prescribed.
After the acute attack has resolved, other medications can be used to minimize
acute attacks of gout. Allopurinol blocks the body's production of uric acid
and probenicid helps the kidneys eliminate excess uric acid.
A person with gout will also be advised to make the following
lifestyle changes:
Drink plenty of liquids.
Eat a diet low in purines.
Limit alcohol
intake.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Follow effective treatment for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
kidney disease, and sickle
cell anemia.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs, and
allopurinol may cause
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal
distress, and allergic
reactions.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
People who have gout can have recurrent episodes throughout their lives. These
episodes are not always associated with increases in the uric acid level in the
blood. Early treatment of acute gout attacks
is important. This helps improve the quality of life and reduces the chances of
any chronic changes in the joint.
How is the disease monitored?
The healthcare provider will describe how to monitor the disease. Most will
want to know about the number of attacks, the length of each attack, and which
joint is involved. The provider will also monitor uric acid levels and any side
effects of the medications. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to
the healthcare provider.
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