Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the gout is acute or recurrent.
Acute Gouty Arthritis
In general, the sooner treatment begins for an acute attack, the more effective it is. Treatment depends on:
- Onset of symptoms
- Number of joints affected
- Previous responses to treatment
- Overall health
General Measures
Putting a warm pad or an ice pack on the joint may ease the pain. Keeping the weight of clothes or bed covers off the joint can also help.
Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example:
-
Corticosteroids—used if NSAIDs are not effective or not recommended
- A study found that people given corticosteroid plus acetaminophen had fewer adverse affects than those given NSAID plus acetaminophen . *
- Colchicine —used to prevent gout attacks, but seldom used as a treatment for an acute attack. Note : This drug has many adverse effects, so it is rarely used first.
Recurrent Gout
General Measures
- Consume a low-purine diet.
- Avoid alcohol.
- If you're overweight, lose weight gradually. Rapid weight loss can cause a gout attack.
- Ask your doctor if any of your medications cause high uric acid levels.
- Drink a lot of fluids.
Medications
If you have recurrent gouty arthritis or an initial attack with hyperuricemia, you may be given medication:
- To lower the production of uric acid (eg, allopurinol )
- To increase the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys (eg, probenecid or sulfinpyrazone )
In some cases, low-dose colchicine may also be used to prevent recurrent attacks.
If you are diagnosed with gout, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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