gout treatment

gout treatment

Drop

An excess of uric acid in the body can accumulate in different parts of the body such as joints, kidneys, or soft tissues, producing gout. Discover the phases of this disease and how it is treated.

Biologist

Reviewed by Dr. José Antonio Nuevo González, Specialist in Internal Medicine. Emergency Service of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid

Gout treatment and recommendations

Seafood

It is recommended to avoid seafood so as not to aggravate the problem of gout.

    What is the drop

    Causes of gout

    Phases and symptoms of gout

    Gout diagnosis

    Gout treatment

The treatment applied to gouty patients is aimed at minimizing the ailments derived from the disease, decreasing the levels of uric acid in the blood, and avoiding, as far as possible, the reappearance of the attacks.

To do this, first of all, in the treatment of gout, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories will be prescribed. These should begin to be taken as soon as the first signs of a new attack are noticed. Diclofenac, indomethacin and dexketoprofen are recommended. In patients with kidney failure or problems with this type of drug, such as the elderly, corticosteroids such as prednisone may be used.

It can also help relieve pain, rest and the application of cold compresses on the affected area. Currently colchicine is used less than in the past because it is being replaced by other compounds that do not have their adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea ...). In addition, this drug is only effective if it is administered at the beginning of the attack.

To decrease the levels of uric acid in the blood, the most used medication is allopurinol. This compound reduces the formation of uric acid by the body. We must remember that at the beginning of this treatment there is a sudden drop in uric acid levels in blood and this can trigger a gout attack too, so it must be accompanied by colchicine to counteract this effect.

In recent years Febuxostat has been added to this treatment, which reduces the levels of uric acid in the blood, and is used mainly for those to whom allopurinol is not effective or for which it is contraindicated due to renal failure, for example. .

Dietary recommendations for gout

In addition to the medication treatment of gout, it is important to keep strict control of the diet. Knowing foods with high purine content is a key point to avoid aggravating the disease. Thus, gouty patients should avoid the abusive consumption of the following foods:

    Foods rich in proteins, such as meat, fish, etc. If possible, avoid seafood, organ meats and blue fish completely.

    Decrease the consumption of legumes, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach and cauliflower.

    Avoid fat-rich foods and fried foods as much as possible.

    Minimize alcohol consumption.

    Foods that do not involve risk are fruits, vegetables, eggs, cereals, potatoes, bread, sugars, milk and cheeses.

In the following link you will find more detailed information about the dietary treatment of gout.

Healthy habits for the patient with gout

The modification of the diet is a very important part when it comes to treating properly and coexisting with the disease, but it is not the only aspect of daily life that gout patients should consider.

In the event that the patient is obese it is highly recommended to lose weight. This task should be carried out progressively, since a sudden decrease can cause the formation of uric acid stones in the kidney (due to an increase in the concentration of it in the blood).

Regular exercise, in addition to helping maintain an adequate weight, strengthens the body, improves blood flow, and provides flexibility to the joints. Not all sports are suitable for these patients; Avoid impact sports and practice others such as swimming, stretching, etc. An adequate program of exercises, designed by a professional, can be a very valid therapy when it comes to reducing discomfort.

Finally, a point that should not be forgotten is rest. The resistance of the joint should not be abused, since it will also tend to fatigue more easily than a healthy joint would. Certain relaxation techniques can help control pain, and will always help the patient to cope with the disease with greater energy.