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Gout, excess uric acid

Gout, excess uric acid

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 10/10/2023

Gout is a joint disease that involves the accumulation of uric acid in them, causing pain, most often in the big toe of the foot.

Dr.. Andrea Hinojosa Azaola

which it is the drop Gout is a painful form of arthritis and potentially disabling occurs when excess uric acid accumulates, forming urate crystal deposits in joints.

painful swelling

The first symptoms are intense episodes of painful swelling in joints, most often in the feet (toe), with redness and increased local temperature. They may be affected several joints and present boxes chronic arthritis. Uric acid can also be deposited in the urinary tract and kidney stones generate and forming soft tissue deposits of uric acid that are known as tophi.

Other problems related disease

Gout occurs by increased production of uric acid, or more frequently because the kidneys are unable to properly excrete uric acid from the body. Gout is closely related to other problems such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders (cholesterol and triglycerides).

Anti inflammatory treatment base

Treatment of acute attacks of gout involves administering colchicine and anti inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation. In people who can not take anti-inflammatory due to renal disease or use of anticoagulants may indicate oral or intramuscular corticosteroids for a short period of time. In addition to this, the rest of the joint and the local cold help improve pain and inflammation.

The long-term treatment of chronic gout to reduce uric acid and prevent acute attacks consists of drugs that block the production of uric acid. The goal of treatment is to reduce levels of uric acid below 6 mg / dl to prevent acute gout attacks.

It is important to avoid certain foods and drugs that can raise uric acid levels, including seafood, red meat, excess alcohol (especially beer), foods rich in fructose, low-dose aspirin, diuretics and immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus and cyclosporin.

A healthy lifestyle is key to prevent gout

A healthy lifestyle can help maintain stable levels of uric acid, including maintaining a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and drinks with high fructose and foods high in purines.

Rheumatology in Miguel Hidalgo