Gout generally appears in the form of short attacks, sometimes lasting for several days or weeks. Much like those with kidney stones, gout sufferers can be symptom-free for several years between attacks. Uric acid crystals are also responsible for one form of kidney stones. Gout can become chronic over time, which means the sufferer must take daily medications in order to prevent the onset of major symptoms and extreme pain.
Gout is usually treated through dietary changes and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). During a gout attack, physicians may inject prescription NSAIDs directly into the affected joint, along with a drug designed specifically to reduce the size of uric acid crystals. The use of aspirin for pain relief from gout is strongly discouraged. An over-the-counter NSAID such as Ibuprofen may take the edge off the pain, but will not mask it completely.
At one time in history, gout was viewed as a disease of the wealthy, since the foods which triggered it were primarily available to richer citizens. Research has since shown that the main culprit for the formation of gout is an organic substance called purine. Foods with high levels of purine, including organ meats, beans and red meats, contribute to the body's level of uric acid.
Gout is usually treated through dietary changes and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). During a gout attack, physicians may inject prescription NSAIDs directly into the affected joint, along with a drug designed specifically to reduce the size of uric acid crystals. The use of aspirin for pain relief from gout is strongly discouraged. An over-the-counter NSAID such as Ibuprofen may take the edge off the pain, but will not mask it completely.
At one time in history, gout was viewed as a disease of the wealthy, since the foods which triggered it were primarily available to richer citizens. Research has since shown that the main culprit for the formation of gout is an organic substance called purine. Foods with high levels of purine, including organ meats, beans and red meats, contribute to the body's level of uric acid.
source- wisegeek.com
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