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Gout Information
Gout
- 11-9-2010
- Categorized in: G
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What is Gout? |
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If you are suffering from this painful condition, we recommend you review the top-rated treatment options. |
More than 2.2 million Americans suffer from gout (or Hyperuricemia), a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits that accumulate in the joints. Most people will experience sharp pain and swelling in the lower joints (toes, ancles, knees). The effected area usually becomes red, swollen and extremely sensitive to the touch.
Doctors consider Gout to be progressive and incurable. Most people who suffer with Gout slowly begin to accumulate uric acid crystals in the joints that form lumps under the skin (often referred to as "tophi"). Over time, gout attacks may occur more frequently, involve more joints, have more severe symptoms, and last longer. Long-term, this accumulation can have a devastating effects on the body leading to permanent joint damage and deformity.
The amount of uric acid in your blood can change depending on what you eat, your overall health, how much alcohol you drink and what medicines you are taking, as well as in response to a sudden illness.
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What Causes Gout ? |
Gout results from excessive deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint cartilage. This does not mean everyone with high levels of uric acid will develop gout. The kidneys' ability to rid the body of uric acid is partly determined by heredity. However, if you eat a lot of foods that are rich in purines, you may be at an increased risk for gout. The following table lists the major causes:
Common Causes of Gout
| Diet | ||
| · Shellfish · Salmon · Sardines |
· Organ meats (liver, kidneys) |
· Excessive Alcohol · Saturated Fats |
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Heredity / Physical Condition |
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| · Heredity (A major contributing factor) · Obesity |
· High Cholesterol · Diabetes |
· High Blood Pressure · Menopause (Women) |
| Medications that may cause Gout | ||
| · Niacin · Aspirin (slows elimination of uric acids) |
· Diuretics (water pills) |
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Gout Treatment Options? |
What is the best treatment option?
| Treatment Option | Cost | Prescription | Risks and Side Effects |
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Allopurinol |
$$$$ | Yes | Preventative - decreases the production of uric acid in the body. Side effects of allopurinol include rashes, drowsiness, disorientation, and it can have adverse reactions with other medications, particularly blood thinners and diuretics. If you have another gout attack, your doctor may recommend that you stop the allopurinol temporarily since the drug can worsen such an attack. |
| Colchicine | $$$$ | Yes | Anti-inflammatory - Colchicine may cause serious adverse side effects, especially if taken in high doses |
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Probenecid |
$$$$ | Yes | For people wth kidney issues - increases the excretion of uric acid, thus lowering the level left in the blood. But like other medications, they may cause adverse interactions with other drugs or complications with existing ailments such as blood disorders, ulcers, and kidney problems. |
| Natural Treatments | $ | No | Several herbal remedies are available to help with gout symptoms. These products help reduce uric acids without the adverse risks and side effects known with common prescriptions. |
| Painkillers | $$ | Yes / No | Will help with initial pain but will not help control the build-up of uric acids. |
In many cases, prompt treatment solves the problem permanently. People with recurring gout attacks may have to remain on a treatment program to prevent these attacks, sometimes for life.
Natural Gout Treatments Reviewed
Advanced Health Choices has researched the marketplace to help visitors select the best treatment solution for Gout. Click here to review products that met all of our criteria - Effectively reduce existing uric acid build-up and help prevent future attacks, without harmful side effects.
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Prevention Tips |
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If gout runs in the family, you should limit your intake of alcohol, fats, and foods that are more likely to increase uric acid level in the body.
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Alcohol, especially beer, can quickly bring on an attack of gout.
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You should watch their weight with extra care.
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Blood and urine tests can be used to determine your uric acid levels and potential risk of a gout attack.
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Medications can also help prevent gout attacks in people with multiple episodes. These medications usually focus on decreasing the production of uric acid in the body.