Is There A Cure For The Dreaded Gout
Mention the word gout and most people know you are talking about extreme pain. Even those who have never suffered an attack usually know someone who does. The bad news is there is no known cure for gout. The good news - it is treatable and best of all, preventable.
Gout usually affects men after 40, but it can affect women and younger people too.
The big toe usually suffers the brunt of a gout attack, but it can also affect the knees, elbows, thumbs or fingers. The affected area becomes very hot, swollen and is extremely painful. In extreme cases, people suffering from an attack also experience chills and fever.
As many attacks occur during the night, being prepared is the key. Knowing what to do should you experience an attack is crucial. The following could see you through until you are able to visit your doctor: 1) Keep an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen in your medicine chest. Codeine and paracetamol are not very effective against a gout attack. 2) DO NOT use aspirin. Aspirin prevents excretion of urate by the kidneys and could worsen the situation. 3) Drinking lots of fluids will assist the kidneys to dilute urate in the kidneys and flush it out. 4) Elevating the inflamed joint can ease the discomfort 5) Applying an ice pack can also reduce pain and inflammation. 6) Keep clothing away from affected area. Your doctor will most probably prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is cheap and effective against pain and inflammation, but there could be side effects such as intestinal bleeding. (Always ask your doctor about any possible side effects prescribed medication might have.) To be most effective, it should be taken until no pain or inflammation is present for at least 48 hours. Should you not be able to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug an alternative would be colchicine. Pain usually subside after 12 hours of treatment and is totally gone within 36 to 48 hours. It should however be noted that colchicine should not be taken in conjunction with antidepressants, tranquillizers and antihistamines. Because of the risk of birth defects, pregnant women should not take it. Colchicine can also be used to prevent further gout attacks. In extreme cases, withdrawal of fluid may help, with corticosteroids injected into the joint at the same time. Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks. However, drugs should be taken regularly and consistently as erratic use will increase gout attacks. Fortunately, gout is preventable and a few lifestyle changes could prevent, or at least limit, gout attacks: 1) If you are overweight, losing a few pounds could only benefit you. 2) Drink lots of water. The more water you drink, the more you help your kidneys to get rid of uric acid. People who suffer from gout should drink more than the normal 8 glasses recommended. 12 glasses per day is more the norm. 3) Talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to give you the best advice as to which medications to take to eliminate excess uric acid. 4) Adapt your diet. Knowing which foods are high in purine and best to avoid, is one of the best ways to prevent gout attacks. "Find Out Natural Methods For Dramatically Reducing and Even Eliminating Painful Gout Flare-Ups..."
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