Gout And The Risk Of Kidney Stones

                

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Despite what joints may be affected by gout, this particular form of arthritis can cause another complication ? kidney stones.

What are kidney stones and what causes them? Kidney stones are small masses that are rock-like in substance. They can be small enough to be passed through urination, or large enough to block the flow of urine. Passing kidney stones is often an extremely painful experience that most people don?t soon forget. Kidney stones can occur for different reasons. However, in the case of gout, kidney stones form as a result of too much uric acid in the urine.

Who is most at risk for developing kidney stones? Essentially, anyone who has recurring cases of gout is at risk for developing kidney stones. However, middle aged men, and the elderly (both women and men) are more likely to develop kidney stones, due to the fact that they are the primary gout sufferers, and have higher levels of uric acid.

Furthermore, kidney stones are most likely to occur in those who suffer from secondary gout and primary gout. Approximately 42% of those diagnosed with secondary gout will experience kidney stones. However, only 10 ? 25% of primary gout sufferers will develop stones.

Why is the risk so much higher for secondary gout sufferers? The reason is because unlike those who have primary gout - high levels of uric acid without a known cause, those with secondary gout have high levels of uric acid because of their long-term medication (IE. diuretics, aspirin, levodopa, etc.) or health condition (IE. alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, etc.)

Additionally, people who have experienced kidney stones are more likely to develop stones again in the future.

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney stones? Although in some cases there may be no symptoms at all, most people who suffer kidney stones report the following:
- Sudden extreme painful cramping that occurs in the lower back, side, groin or abdomen.
- Nausea or vomiting caused by severe pain
- Blood in urine
- Fever and chills may occur if there is an infection in the urinary tract

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should visit your doctor or the emergency room to make sure that what you are experiencing is indeed kidney stones.

How are kidney stones treated? Although the sudden onset of pain may compel you to take a trip to the emergency room, the chances are after you?ve been x-rayed and diagnosed, a doctor will likely prescribe you pain medication and tell you to drink plenty of water and wait for the kidney stone to pass naturally. Most stones pass within 48 hours when significant fluid is ingested. Symptoms should stop as soon as stones pass.

If the stone will not pass naturally due to its size, a doctor may perform:
- Lithotripsy ? A common procedure that uses a shock wave to break up the large stone into small pieces so they can be passed.
- Surgery ? there are a few techniques used to surgically remove the stones. These surgeries are often uncomplicated.

How to prevent uric acid kidney stones ? The following are ways a gout sufferer can reduce their risk of developing stones:

- Avoid or limit alcohol intake
- Eliminate or limit foods in your diet that raise uric acid levels such as: organ meat, red meat, shellfish, mushrooms, asparagus, dried peas and beans, etc.
- Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated all the time
- Exercise regularly
- Loose weight realistically ? If you are overweight or obese avoid crash diets to lose weight quickly. Losing weight too fast can cause a rise in uric acid levels and increase the risk of stones.
- Medication ? Talk to your doctor about medication that can help lower and control uric acid levels.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover whether you are experiencing a gout symptom. On the site you'll also find more on proven gout remedy options

Natural and Not So Natural Gout Remedy Tactics

                

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Gout can be very painful so it's no wonder that anyone suffering from it would seek an immediate gout remedy. Here are some main stream medical as well as natural remedies.

Conventional/Traditional Treatments

The main concern about gout is the symptoms of pain and swelling, which can range from mild to extreme. To correct this, doctors may prescribe gout medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, both of which act to bring down the swelling and reduce pain.

NSAIDs, usually Indocid, can also decrease joint stiffness and promote mobility. Usually taken orally, NSAIDs are administered in low doses to treat pain and in higher doses to relieve inflammation. Drugs like Naprosyn, Tolectin, Voltaren and Orudis are only available through prescription and individual reaction to each one may vary.

Patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs or who do not respond well to treatment may be prescribed another anti-inflammatory drug called corticosteroid, which is just as powerful and effective. It also acts to reduce swelling and can effect immediate relief when injected. Also injectable, ACTHs or adrenocorticotropic hormone may also be used for acute gout attacks.

Another option to treat gout symptoms is colchicines, a drug that's been around for hundreds of years. It is quite effective but is not used as often as NSAIDs because it causes vomiting and diarrhea within a short period after it is given.

Side Effects

Drugs do have their side effects. Allopurinol, for example, can cause skin rashes, blood vessel inflammation or liver toxicity. It can also weaken the kidneys. Colchicine is also an effective drug, but on its bad side, it can cause nausea, weakness, vomiting, hair loss, numbness and abdominal pain.

Corticosteroids, while providing immediate relief through an injection, can also cause similar side effects and are therefore not recommended for prolonged use. Corticosteroids can also cause joint and cartilage weakness.

Home Gout Remedies

Some gout patients find that the symptoms of gout may be reduced by performing simple tasks at home or in the office. These include elevating the affected joint, preventing blood from rushing into the area and cause further swelling. Resting the affected joint or immobilizing it can also bring about a certain level of relief.

Another remedy that has proven successful in alleviating pain is through physical and occupational therapy. Most gout patients suffer needlessly from pain because of improper use of the joints. Both therapies can train their muscles on the proper way of walking and standing. Massages can also help promote relaxation and a feeling of well being.

Relaxation techniques have also shown much promise in reducing pain and helping the muscles relax. Most gout patients also report less incidents of swelling pain after they reduced emotional and physical stress.

Contrary to some, hot compresses do not aid in reducing the symptoms of gout; it can produce temporary relief, but heat increases blood circulation in the affected area and can irritate it. Applying ice packs may also cause more uric acid crystals to form.

There are devices that may be used to make day-to-day tasks easier and much more comfortable: canes, carts, grab bars and such may be utilized to aid in the performance of duties and to conserve precious energy. Knowing that things can be handled can also do a lot for one's peace of mind.

Another remedy to avoid further problems with gout is a lifestyle change. This is more permanent and while there are no guarantees, it can produce some very significant improvements in a patient's condition. By losing weight and having a proper diet, gout patients are able to control the occurrence of gout by simply avoiding foods that promote it, including animal protein sources such as red meats, meat organs, seafoods, shellfish and alcoholic drinks.

The only drawback to avoiding these foods is that most patients will miss out on the essential vitamins and minerals that they contain. To correct this, alternative sources of protein may be used such as tofu and low-fat dairy products. Dietary supplements may also be required not just to maintain the recommended levels of both vitamins and minerals in the body but also to promote the regulation of uric acid levels.

To promote the proper excretion of uric acid in the blood, gout patients are advised to increase their daily fluid intake or maintain it at 8 to 9 glasses. Water helps produce urine, which flushes out toxins and keep uric acid levels to a manageable level.

Alternative Remedies

Another form of remedy for gout is the use of Oriental-style treatments, including acupuncture, acupressure and herbal remedies. While some conventional medical practitioners frown on these practices, some gout patients have achieved some relief using these treatments or in combination with the more traditional remedies. If considering any of these treatments, it would be prudent to get more information, ask your doctor's advice and talk only to a licensed practitioner.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://gout.topicgiant.com where you can learn about more gout remedy tactics.

Remedies for Gout Relief

                

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There is no cure for gout, but it can be controlled and treated. Usually, the pain associated with gout will subside within 24 hours after treatment has begun. The main objectives of treatment are pain relieving and prevent future attacks of gout.

Although gout is well known, it is not a typical arthritic condition. Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints, causing joint pain and inflammation.

Colchicine is a traditional drug used since the 1800's as a treatment for gout. Although Colhicine produces desirable results, it does have side effects of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are also used to treat gout, which does not have the side effects of colhicine. Indomethacin is a widely used NSAID in the treatment of gout. Patients should avoid Aspirin and aspirin-containing products during the attack of gout.

Those people who have had multiple attacks or developed tophi or kidney stones should stabilize uric acid level in the blood. Probenecid is an important drug, which helps the kidney, eliminate uric acid. Another drug called Alopurinol is used to block the excess production of uric acid by the body. The drug of choice between these types of drugs depends upon the quantity of uric acid excreted through urine.

Zyloprim, is a potent treatment for gout, and is usually prescribe for gout patients with kidney stones or other kidney problems. This drug slows down the rate of production of uric acid by the body. The patients who took this drug showed side effects such as skin rashes and stomach upset. Both of these symptoms usually go away as the body began accustomed to the drug.

As we know, prevention is better than treatment; avoiding the intake of food high in uric acid can readily prevent the occurrence of gout. Reducing alcohol consumption is also often helpful.

Alcoholic beverages should not exceed 3 ounces per day. Reduce or eliminate the purine-containing foods such as organ meats (sweet breads, liver, and kidneys), shrimp, sardines, dried legumes, and anchovies.

There are many natural products available in the market. Incorporate flax seed or omega 3 oil into your diet to help reduce inflammation and tissue damage. Burdock root can help rid the body of acidic waste build up and help supports normal uric acid levels in the body.

If you suffer from gout, see your doctor and discuss a pain relief program and a correct diet to reduce gout occurrences. With correct treatment and diet, gout outbreaks can be well controlled.

For more information about gout, visit http://www.goutinfocenter.com and http://www.naturalherbalremediesinfo.com

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