Treatment of gout
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Loading ...The treatment of gout is split into 3 areas, first medication is used to treat the arthritis attack, then the patient is educated on how to prevent gout reoccurring, and then long term treatment is used to reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood.
The treatment of the arthritis symptoms are much the same as for any other type of arthritis. The patient is given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), these help to relieve pain and also reduce any inflammation in the joint, an example of a NSAID is ibuprofen. These anti-inflammatory drugs are fast acting and so are used as a first line of defence.
If only a couple of joints are affected by arthritis or if the patient is allergic to any of the suggested medication then a medication that can be injected to relieve inflammation is also available.
Next the health care professionals educate the patient to change their lifestyle. Gout can be avoided with several simple lifestyle changes. If the patient is overweight then they are advised to lose weight. Patients are advised not to drink alcohol, especially beer, and also to eat less food that contains a lot of purine. Examples of these foods include meats, and seafood (especially muscles).
If the patient experiences long term trouble then a drug can be prescribed to help with reducing the uric acid levels. This course of medication can only be started when the acute arthritis attack has been dealt with.
Gout does not necessary reoccur; if lifestyle changes are made then gout may never be a problem to the patient again. However if uric acid levels remain at a too high level then the patient will probably experience the same symptoms in between 6 months and 2 years. Attacks will get more severe and generalised overtime, over a prolonged period gout can lead to joint damage. Treatment is required to reduce the risk of joint damage.
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