Simple Guide on How to Prevent a Gout Flare Up Attack

Do you suffer from gout? You are in the company of over six million people who have been diagnosed with gout in the United States. As many people as there are who have gout, that's how many ways there are to prevent a flare up.

Gout is the body's inability to excrete uric acid via the kidneys. This causes a build of uric acid, which leads to monosodium urate crystals to settle in the joints and surrounding soft tissues, causing severe pain and swelling, as well as inflammation.

Initially, a gout attack has a rapid onset, usually making a surprise visit during the night. Then it hangs around like bad company for a few days to a few weeks, then leaves. It may never return, or it can make a reappearance within 2 years. If it returns there will future flare up attacks that you will want to prevent from happening. The pain can be just a bit much!

Prophylactic medication is used to prevent the onset of future attacks. This is combined with adherence to a carefully planned diet, good fluid intake and avoiding foods high in purines.

Medications:

Medications that act to prevent future gout attacks are usually prescribed if you have had more than one attack of this condition, and after the second attack has resolved. These medications include:

Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) blocks uric acid production by limiting the amount of uric acid produced in the body. It is effective in lowering blood uric acid levels and prevent another gout attack. . Side effects include a rash and low blood counts.

Probenecid improves your kidneys' ability to eliminate uric acid from your body. This may lower your uric acid levels and reduce your risk of gout. Side effects include a rash, stomach pain and kidney stones.

Gout diet:

It is not proven that dietary changes help in gout prevention. However, you may want to consider choosing foods that have a lower purine content. Tips to do so include:

- Cut back on the amount of red meat and seafood you eat.

- Avoid alcohol.

- Eat more low-fat dairy products.

- Avoid white carbohydrates and replace them with whole grain options.

- Lose weight by decreasing your meal sizes and getting more exercise. Losing weight can help cut down levels of uric acid.

An important point to note is that you need to limit your intake of purines. You won't need to eliminate them entirely, just make sure they are eaten in moderation.

Research has shown that a diet low in purines doesn't make a huge difference. Follow the prescribed treatments, drink water regularly and your levels of uric acid should be kept well below a dangerous level.


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Jared Wright runs the marketing for Clivir.com, a comunity site offering you free learning resources. Visit the links below to learn more about other gout related issues such as gout prevention medications and natural gout treatment.