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Gout

Description

Gout is a form of arthritis (inflammation of joints) associated with metabolic disorder of purines, it is characterized by severe pain, swelling, and redness of joints especially joint of the big toe. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, therefore; an imbalance in metabolism of purines leads to high levels of uric acid in the blood. At high levels, uric acid is deposited as crystals in joints leading to an attack of gout. It may also result in kidney stones and kidney damage. Gout attacks are recurring and very frequent. It is a progressive disorder with following stages:

  1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia
  2. Acute gout
  3. Chronic gout.
Causes

Gout is caused by increased levels of uric acid leading to crystallization in joints. High levels of uric acid are due to:

 

  • Decreased excretion of Uric acid: Kidney disease can compromise the excretion of uric acid resulting in uric acid build up.
  • Diet: Intake of rich purine foods result in high uric acid levels as uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism. Steaks, seafood, and beers are rich in purine.
  • Medicines: diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and other medicine like aspirin and niacin are found to be associated with gout.
  • Genetics: Gout runs in the family. If your parents have gout, you’re also likely to develop it.

 

 

Risk factors

These factors can increase your risk of developing gout:

  • Increased weight
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Surgery
  • Trauma
  • Family history of gout.
Symptoms

Following are the typical symptoms of a gout attack:

  • Tenderness of joints
  • Swelling of joints
  • Redness of joints
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Kidney stones
  • Tophi (painless, crystal deposits)
  • Compromised mobility of joints.
Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will ask for your complete medical history especially of your joint pain, and perform a simple physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may get you further tested. Tests include:

  1. Joint fluid analysis: A sample of fluid is taken to from your joint to check for presence of uric acid.
  2. Blood test: Blood tests are done for measuring blood uric acid levels.
  3. X-Ray: X-ray of joints can show crystals of uric acid in joints.

 

Management
  • Pain killers are usually prescribed to reduce the pain
  • Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin
  • Drugs such as colchicine may be recommended to help reduce the inflammation
  • Allopurinol or febuxostat may be used to reduce uric acid production
  • Lifestyle changes such as the following may help prevent another attack:
    • Drinking a lot of water to flush out the uric acid
    • Exercise and weight control
    • Avoiding alcohol, especially beer.
    • Restricting seafood and meat.
When to consult a doctor?

If the prescribed medications are no longer effective, a doctor should be consulted.

The attack should last from 3-10 days, If the prescribed medications are no longer effective, a doctor should be consulted.

Available Medicine for Gout

Allopure 300mg

Rs.35

Zeb

Zyloric 100 mg

Rs.34.11

GlaxoSmithKline

Zyloric 300mg

Rs.83

GlaxoSmithKline

Zynol 300mg

Rs.77

Pharmadic

Agout 300mg

Rs.70

Mega

Zynol 100mg

Rs.60

Pharmadic

Colchicine 0.5 mg

Rs.468.49

LCPW