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Gout Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments for gout seek either to reduce pain during attacks or to lower uric acid levels, potentially preventing attacks. As is the case with many alternative treatments for any disease or condition, opinions are often mixed as to th...
Dec 20 2010
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Gout Causes
On the most basic level, gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia. This condition can be caused either by too much dietary intake of chemicals that break down into uric acid or by kidney problems that mak...
Jan 01 2011
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Gout Complications
Many people who experience one gout attack never have a second one, but others develop chronic gout—repeated attacks that happen more and more often over time. Especially if untreated, chronic gout can lead to more severe problems.
Jan 01 2010
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Gout Diagnosis
Because there are no physical signs of high levels of uric acid in the blood, gout is usually diagnosed after an acute attack of gout symptoms. The first step is usually a uric acid blood test. High uric acid levels are associated with gout, but t...
Jan 01 2011
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Gout Doctors
A primary healthcare provider—an internist or family practice physician—is usually the primary doctor that treats gout. He or she can perform uric acid blood tests and joint aspirations and prescribe medications to treat the disease.
Jan 01 2011
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Gout Drugs
During an acute gout attack, the main priority of drug treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation. There are three categories of drugs used for this:
Jan 01 2011
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Gout Overview
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the blood. When the concentration of uric acid gets too high, sharp urate crystals form. These crystals collect in the joints and cause swelling and intense pain. Gout attacks often come ...
Jan 01 2011
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Gout Prevention
In most people, a first acute gout attack comes without warning, and there really aren't any other symptoms of high uric acid. Therefore, prevention efforts for gout are focused on preventing future attacks or lessening their severity.
Jan 01 2010
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Gout Risk Factors
Men are more likely than women to have symptoms of gout, and most are diagnosed between 40 and 50 years old. In women, the disease is most prevalent after menopause. Gout is rare in children and young adults.
Jan 01 2011
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Gout Symptoms
There are two types of gout symptoms: Acute symptoms come on suddenly and occur for a short period of time, while chronic symptoms are the result of repeated gout attacks over a long period.
Jan 01 2011
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