Gout Medication Treatments And Their Side Effects

                

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One of the most effective ways of reducing the symptoms of a gout attack is through medication. Medications are necessary not just to relieve the pain of acute attacks but also to prevent attacks from recurring. Some gout medications can also target high levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition referred to as hyperuricemia.

To successfully treat gout, it is better to consult a doctor than try to alleviate symptoms through self-medication. Tests will be performed to determine the level of uric acid in the body which might include a urine test or taking a sample of fluid from the affected joint. Once the presence of gout is determined, only then will the course of therapy or medications should be discussed.

Some of the most common medications used to treat gout are:

NSAIDs and corticosteroids

Probably the most common medications used to treat gout are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are taken orally. As their name implies, NSAIDs function to reduce the swelling in the affected joints and reduce pain.

NSAIDs also block the production of a substance called prostaglandin, which is responsible for causing inflammation and the feeling of pain. Initially, NSAIDs are taken in high doses for as long as symptoms last and medication may continue for about three more days after symptoms have subsided.

It is worth noting, however that while NSAIDs are effective in reducing the inflammation in the joints caused by uric acid crystals, they do not decrease the amount of uric acid found in the body. An NSAID will not, by itself, eliminate uric acid.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed if a patient does not respond to an NSAID or if it is not well tolerated. Corticosteroids are also anti-inflammatory medications and can produce immediate relief if injected directly into the joint. The only drawback is that it cannot be used on a regular basis (i.e., for every attack) because it can cause the weakening of cartilage and promote the deterioration of the joints.

In some cases where symptoms cannot be alleviated or controlled by NSAIDs or corticosteroids, a drug called colchicines may be prescribed during the first 12 hours of a gout attack and is usually taken every hour. It does have side effects, though, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting.

Gout medications such as probenecid and allopurinol may be prescribed to regulate the levels of uric acid in the blood and are often prescribed to older patients. These medications prevent the development of tophi which are chalk-colored lumps found under the skin, usually around joints.

Another medication that has a long history with gout is colchicine. It has been around since the 1800s and can significantly reduce swelling and relieve pain as well as stop future attacks. It has enjoyed a certain staying power because of its effectiveness. However, its use can cause certain side effects such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea even when used during a short period.

Other than probenecids, colchicines and allopurinol, sulfinpyrazone may also be prescribed for the treatment of tophi and the prevention of further attacks.

Watching the side effects

Gout medications do have their side effects and can range from mild nausea or dizziness to abdominal cramps and headaches. If you do suffer from these, there is no need to grin and bear it just to get relief later. You can talk to your doctor about it and ask for alternatives. By no means should you stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first.

Supplements and quack medications

Gout sufferers are often advised to take dietary supplements such as Vitamins E, B-complex and folic acid to replenish the body's supply. There are also some very attractive and tempting ads making the rounds in the internet and the papers, promising a 'total cure' or a 'miraculous treatment' for gout.

Before giving in to these ads, it is better to consult with your doctor first. Some of these medications and supplements may not contain harmful ingredients, but they may mix with your current medication and affect your body adversely.

Further research

No cure has yet been discovered for gout, but scientists continue to conduct research on the subject, specifically on the effectiveness of other medications with newer compounds that are safe to use. Studies on the structure of the enzymes involved in breaking down purines inside the body are also being done, to promote further understanding of how these enzymes affect or promote the occurrence of gout.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://gout.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about gout treatment and symptoms

Is There a Gout Cure? Treatments to Consider and Use

                

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Gout is one of those conditions that have been around for so long that it's nearly impossible not to have a cure by now. Unfortunately, that is exactly the case. Modern science has not come up with an exact cure and millions of people still suffer from its symptoms and complications.

However, like most conditions with no cure, gout can be treated. There are various drugs and therapies that can be utilized to alleviate its symptoms and provide the patient a quality of life that will allow him to live comfortably in spite of his condition. First, gout must be understood first and various treatments discussed.

The cause of gout

Uric acid is considered the main culprit in gout cases. In healthy individuals, it is normally dissolved in the blood. However, if its level increases, it can cause an abnormality in the chemical functions of the body. Uric acid can form urate crystals and can cause painful inflammation if they accumulate in the joints.

A high level of uric acid in the blood is a condition referred to as hyperuricaemia. Sharp, needle-like uric acid crystals become deposited in joint spaces and/or connective tissues, causing swelling, pain, redness and stiffness. These uric acid deposits are called tophi.

Are you candidate for gout?

Almost 20% of people suffering from gout have family members who have this disease. It is also more common in adults and men. While weight is not a direct cause of gout, it can also contribute to an increase in risk. Another factor that can increase the risk of gout is excessive alcohol intake.

Treating Gout

Currently, there is no known single cure for gout which can totally eradicate the condition once and for all. However, it can be treated with success and many patients with gout are living pain-free lives. The key is treating it in its early stages, so that unnecessary pain may be avoided in the long term. Immediate action can also relieve symptoms within a day of the attack.

Medications

To combat pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs might be prescribed. NSAIDs help reduce the swelling and block a chemical called prostaglandin, which is responsible for causing pain and inflammation. Other drugs that may be prescribed to block pain and bring down swelling are colchicines and adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH).

If a patient shows intolerance for NSAIDs, corticosteroids may be prescribed instead. These also help ease joint inflammation. Drugs like allopurinol that lower or prevent the production of uric acid may also be used for long term treatments and are usually prescribed to older patients.

Fluid intake

On top of the 8 glasses of water intake a day, it is recommended that gout patients add at least 4 more glasses to help the body excrete toxins. Water helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid through urine.

Obesity

Pain caused by gout can be alleviated by regulating weight. Excessive weight means that there are more tissues susceptible to breakdown and that the body will produce more uric acid. A lighter body will also be easier on the joints, specifically on the knees and ankles.

Diet

Some foods, while healthy, can aggravate the symptoms of gout. These foods include excessive intake of red meats and organ meats like tongue, tripe, livers and kidneys. Other foods that can worsen gout symptoms are shellfish, mussels, oysters, scallops and fish roe.

Some vegetables have also been implicated in gout attacks, like dried beans, peas and mushrooms. A low-fat diet can also be helpful, since some studies show that the foods linked to problems with cardiovascular functions are the same foods responsible for gout.

If you are susceptible to gout or are already suffering from it, it's best to stay away from crash diets. While they may help you lose weight in a short period of time, they can also induce the production of too much uric acid, which won't help your condition.

Medications for hypertension

Drugs used to treat high blood pressure may also contribute to the intensity of symptoms. If you are a patient suffering from both gout and hypertension, you will need to change your diet and check with your doctor about possible drug alternatives.

Beware of quick and miraculous cures

You've probably seen the ads for these drugs, supplements and devices, promising immediate relief and total cures. Most of them may not be harmful but may not effect any relief at all and be a complete waste of money. If there is something that interests you, better seek the advice of your doctor before considering other forms of treatment.

What's being done

Just because a cure has not been discovered yet doesn?t mean that scientists and doctors have stopped trying. More research is being done to find better medicines and further clinical studies are being conducted. The purpose of course is to learn our more about gout and ultimately find the cure.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://gout.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about gout and explore different gout remedies.

Gout Treated With Alternative Medicine

                

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The name of the disease is not what concerns the person who treats the patient holistically, for they are looking at the die-ease in the patient, not the gout. Gout is a manifestation of the dis-ease in the patient, treating the presenting symptoms with drugs for the inflammation and pain may well relieve the symptoms temporarily, but it's not treating the cause of the condition.

So what is the cause of gout? One might be told that some families have a predisposition to gout, and you may be told that some foods exacerbate the condition, and that's about all that can be done if you are treated conventionally, you will also be given some prescription drugs to alleviate your pain, and to reduce inflammation. If you do nothing else to correct the cause of your gout, then it's very unlikely you will see any improvement in your health.

You may say that since you have been taking a certain drug that you haven't had any gout attacks, and as far as you are concerned not much else matters. Unfortunately the prescription drugs have only palliated your condition, and with constant ingestion of anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers your gouty condition will continue to develop behind the scenes, and your general health will deteriorate as a result of the drugs you are taking.

Alternative medicine, depending on what modality you have chosen, would firstly want to overhaul your diet, for a diet rich in purine foods would certainly exacerbate the condition, and may even be solely responsible for your gout.

Foods high in purines and are therefore to be avoided: Meat gravies, stocks, organ meats, shellfish, anchovies, sardines, herrings, mussels, mushrooms and asparagus. Alcohol, particularly beer is high in purines, and for that reason must be avoided. Any alcohol taken should be followed by copius amounts of water to avoid dehydration and consequent uric acid build-up. Meat, white flour, sugar, poultry, dried beans, fish, oatmeal,cauliflower, spinach and peas are moderately high in purines, and may need to be avoided.

The ideal diet should contain lots of organic fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and a very important dietary addition is wheatgrass. Fruits, vegetables and juices assist the excretion of uric acid, and foods that neutralize uric acid are strawberries, cherries, and celery juice, also drink lots of filtered water. Many people have found that the addidition of cherry juice to their diet has prevented further gout attacks.

You may be given herbs or homeopathic remedies for your condition, however a change in your dietary habits may be all that is needed to improve your health. What a simple answer to what could remain a lifetime problem if you may no effort to change your eating habits. If you wish to rid yourself of your gout, alternative medicine can certainly help you.

Colleen Redman webmaster and publisher of http://www.goutyjoint.com. This site offers many tips and alternative treatments for managing gout.

Help for Diabetes, Gout and More

                

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Overview of Gout

Gout is a systemic disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. This condition can develop for two reasons. The liver may produce more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine, or a diet of rich foods (e.g., red meat, cream sauces, red wine) puts more uric acid into the bloodstream than the kidneys can filter. In both cases, a condition called hyperuricemia results. Over time, the uric acid crystallizes and settles in the joint spaces, most commonly in the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe or in the ankle joint.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of gout are inflammation, swelling, and tenderness in the joint of the first toe. Touching or moving it is intensely painful and patients often say it hurts to have as much as a bedsheet over the toe. Gout develops quickly and typically occurs in only one joint at a time. Symptoms may develop in two or three joints simultaneously, but this is rare. If widespread symptoms occur, the condition is probably not gout.

Diagnosis

The most reliable way to diagnose gout is to examine the joint fluid for uric acid crystals. This is done by drawing fluid from the joint with a needle and examining it under a polarized light microscope. Although the test is invasive, the results are definitive, and a positive result facilitates proper treatment and quick relief.

Treatment

Treatment for gout involves decreasing the amount of uric acid in the joint. If dietary habits are the cause, the patient's lifestyle must be changed to avoid the condition. Gout is readily corrected with patient cooperation, and it is usually not treated unless it occurs frequently. Colchicine is a common medication for treating acute gout attacks. If continuous medication is necessary, the two most common choices are probenecid and allopurinol.

Prevention

Alcohol and rich foods are primary contributors to excessive uric acid levels. Although some patients have a genetic predisposition to excessive uric acid production, most gout patients have normal kidneys and uncontrolled dietary habits. Prevention is the best defense against the disease.

Many patients who suffer from gout continue to indulge, and suffer frequent attacks as a result. Although medication makes it possible to live with gout, the continued accumulation of uric acid in the joints eventually damages them, seriously inhibiting movement.

Overview of Diabetes

New to diabetes? Learn the basics check with your local diabetes clinic or research it on the internet.

A key to diabetes management is maintaining a regular exercise program. Its never too late to start see below. Sticking to dietary goals while eating out also can be very challenging see comments below.

20 million Americans and Canadians have diabetes. Nearly 7 million don't know it. Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly, and the symptoms often go unnoticed. Our son developed a puffiness to his face which we noticed right away because we saw him only a couple of times a year. He and his wife put it down to simple weight gain. After 2 years they finally snapped to there being something wrong and when he was finally checked out his diabetes was off the charts. Fortunately, they caught it in time, but it should have been caught over a year earlier.

Nearly 90 to 95% of all people with diabetes have type 2. Who gets it? Just about any body. Fat, skinny, regular build, it makes no difference; just about everyone can develop diabetes. Most at risk are people regardless of body build who live on a high intake of junk food. Least at risk are people who eat a regular balanced diet.

What you may not know about diabetes the truth about insulin resistance. 92% of people with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. Get the facts go to your local diabetes agency or research it on the internet.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. Obesity is not a guarantee you will develop diabetes and many obese persons never develop it, but persons who are obese

Diabetic meals can be healthy and savory.

A key to diabetes management is maintaining a regular exercise program. Its never too late to start and you can do it with a simple walking program. Just walk 1 kilometer a day and over a period of a month build it up to two miles (3 kilometers) a day.

Sticking to dietary goals while eating out can be very challenging. Many, even most, restaurants cater to people with special dietary needs just ask. And learn those restaurants which do not and avoid them.

When it comes to diabetic nutrition, not sure what to believe? There are many stories out there, some believable, others not. Research what you need to know from trusted resources your local diabetes support center, the internet, friends who have diabetes.

The help of friends and family can make all the difference to someone with diabetes.

Help for Diabetes, Gout and Other Disorders

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On the testimonials page below I am L. Windblad and my wife is J.D. Windblad. I have long-term gout (since 1977), damage from gout including numbness and pain in the feet, a prostate which had ceased functioning for the past 2 years, and in Jan 2004 I was diagnosed with a lazy thyroid. By the end of January my thyroid was functioning normally, by April I was noticing an improvement in prostate functioning and by mid-May it was definitely clear that not only was the pain gone but feeling was coming back into my feet. This is written in June 2004 and its all still getting better.

Check out these product testimonials and see what you think about what these products have accomplished in many other lives. Scroll to the bottom of the page and contact the people who gave these testimonials.

There are other stories of miracles with these products and they will be posted as soon as they can be collected. What these products actually do is work to make your body function the way it is supposed to function, and they accomplish this at least in part by restoring your natural Ph balances.

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Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us info@organicgreens.us