Acute attacks of gout are treated with:
1. NSAID, especially indometacin. Indometacin also increases the elimination of uric acid through the kidneys;
2. Aspiration of the fluid from the affected joint and injecting corticosteroids inside the affected fluid;
3. Cold compresses and resting.
Prevention of further attacks of gout is done by keeping the uric acid inside the referent values. This can be achieved with:
1. Dietary regime – patient should avoid alcohol drinks (especially beer) and inner organs (liver, kidneys etc.). Meat, fish and some vegetables (bean, mushrooms) should be eaten in moderate amounts. You can freely eat cereals, milk and milk products, oils, fruits and juices, eggs, coffee, teas, chocolate, sugar, most of the vegetables, spices etc. Reducing your weight and drinking a lot of liquids is also recommended;
2. Medicines – Alopurinol should be taken after the third attack and if uric acid in the blood stays higher than 400 µg/L besides the proper dietary regime. Brobenicid is an alternative for alopurinol but only if the kidneys are functioning normally.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer
their time on eHealth Forum.
For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our
medical experts page.
You may also visit our Gout , for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.
Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.