Gout Diet, Symptom, Treatment and Cure, Picture, Cause, Home Remedy and Medicine

Information on Gout and gout definition

Gout is a form of arthritis in which a chemical called uric acid, a waste product made in the body, builds up in the joints and the kidneys, where it can form stones. Usually this disease will show itself as a sudden pain, redness and swelling at the base of one of the big toes. It can start in any joint but it is excruciatingly painful.

What is the causes of gout?

Gout happens either because too much uric acid is made by the body or the kidneys fail to get rid of it properly. It may run in families or develop in people with diabetes, kidney disease or polycythaemia (too many red blood cells). Certain drugs may also cause the disease. Water tablets (diuretics)are particularly liable to cause this condition.

Gout Stages

There are four stages:

1 No symptoms, but raised uric acid levels in the blood

2 Acute gout, affecting one or more joints suddenly

3 Recurrent gout, when bouts are frequent

4 Chronic (long-term)gout, with joint deformity and deposits of uric acid outside the joints

Gout Tests

As the joint pain is sudden and there is Redness and swelling, it is vital to ensure that it is not an infected joint, where symptoms may be very similar. Blood tests should be taken as soon as possible and if it is gout these will reveal a high level of uric acid in the blood. If there is fluid in the joint, it may be withdrawn and sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the case of gout, crystals of uric acid maybe seen in the fluid. In suspected cases of infection the laboratory will look for bacteria. If it is the first attack the joint will usually be X-rayed.

Chronic gout

The aim of treating the high level of uric acid in the blood is to stop the development of chronic gout. In this condition, uric acid crystals are laid down as gouty lumps. A common site is on the edge of the outer ear. Chronic gout can lead to gross joint deformity and may be bad enough to confine a sufferer to bed. The development of kidney stones, caused by too much uric acid in the kidneys, is serious. Small stones may be passed down the tube to the bladder (the ureter) but this causes terrible pain and surgery may be required to remove the stone if it becomes stuck. If the stones cause blockage from the kidney, they may lead to total kidney (renal) failure and death.

Gout Treatment and Cure - Natural remedy for gout

• The aim of treatment is to stop the pain and then prevent future attacks. Colchicine works quickly and effectively against the pain and swelling. Often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAlDs), such as ibuprofen, are given at the same time. Ordinary painkillers (except aspirin) may be useful.
• If the uric acid levels are high it is likely there will be further attacks in joints and there is a possibility of kidney stones developing. If a person has raised uric acid levels he may well need daily medicine to keep the levels down.

Gout Prevention

Modify the diet to exclude foods rich in purines, such as strawberries, shellfish and game, which increase levels of uric acid in the blood. Losing weight will be beneficial. It used to be thought that gout was caused by drinking too much port, which is not the case, but excess alcohol should be avoided. Drink plenty of water in order to avoid concentrating uric acid and ensure that it is washed through the kidneys before it has time to crystallise. Aspirin and diuretics will make the condition worse, and should be avoided.

Gout symptom

Bookmark This Page:   :: :: ::

Health Tip

For successful long term weight loss, you need to incorporate aerobic exercise into your routine so that you burn up more calories as well improve your body shape.