by Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid builds up, it forms needle-like crystals in the joints, causing sudden and severe attacks of pain and swelling. While there is no cure for gout, various treatments exist to manage pain during flare-ups and help lower uric acid levels to prevent future attacks.
Lifestyle Changes for Gout Treatment
Non-pharmacological approaches play an important role in Gout Disease Treatment. Several lifestyle modifications have been shown to reduce uric acid levels and risk of recurrent gout attacks.
Diet modifications: Certain foods are high in purine, which breaks down into uric acid in the body. Avoiding purine-rich foods like organ meats, anchovies, herring, and mushrooms can help lower uric acid levels. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water also assists in flushing out uric acid from the joints and kidneys.
Weight management: Being overweight increases uric acid production. Losing extra pounds through a healthy calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise helps manage gout.
Alcohol restriction: Drinking alcohol can cause uric acid levels to rise. Limiting alcoholic drinks, especially beer which is very high in purines, may help prevent gout flares.
Medications for Gout Flare Treatment
When a gout attack strikes suddenly, medications are needed to reduce pain and inflammation rapidly. Common drug treatments for acute gout flares include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen work by blocking prostaglandins to relieve pain and swelling. These should only be taken for short periods to treat acute gout.
Colchicine: Colchicine is a very effective treatment specifically for gout. It works by inhibiting formation of urate crystals in the joints. Colchicine usually starts working within 12-24 hours to reduce pain and inflammation from a gout attack.
Corticosteroids: Oral, injected or topical corticosteroids may be used if NSAIDs or colchicine are contraindicated or not well-tolerated. They have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Prescription Drugs for Long-Term Gout Treatment
Once the acute flare subsides with the above medications, focus shifts to chronic management with urate-lowering therapies to prevent future gout attacks from occurring. These include:
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors: Allopurinol (Zyloric) and febuxostat (Uloric) work by inhibiting production of uric acid in the body. They are usually taken daily as long-term maintenance treatment.
Uricosuric agents: Probenecid (Benemid) promotes excretion of uric acid via the kidneys, helping lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Like xanthine oxidase inhibitors, it is prescribed long-term to help prevent recurrent gout flares.
Pegloticase: For patients with severe, treatment-resistant gout, pegloticase (Krystexxa) may be an option. It is an enzyme that breaks down uric acid and rapidly lowers levels in the blood. Due to potential side effects, it is generally reserved for those who cannot tolerate other drugs.
Managing Gout Through Combined Treatment Approaches
An integrative treatment strategy employing both lifestyle interventions and medication yields the best results for gout. Following dietary and exercise recommendations along with accurately taking prescribed gout drugs helps lower uric acid levels and control inflammation. This dual approach of modifying risk factors while medically treating existing urate build-up allows for long-term management of gout symptoms and prevention of future attacks. With compliance to treatment plans, patients have the ability to lead active lives without disability from gout disease.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
