subject: In search of that elusive gout relief [print this page] Gout predominantly affects middle age and elderly people, rarely occurring in young adults or children. Although it occurs in both sexes, gout has the highest incidence in the male gender. Women usually develop the disease at more advanced stages of life, particularly after menopause.
Put very simply, gout is the inflammation of the joints when excess amounts of uric acid crystallize in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that occurs in the blood due to the breakdown of purines. People who are afflicted by gout do not have the capacity to break down and excrete this excess uric acid from their body. Consequently, the uric acid level in their blood goes up. Gout is a disease that generates symptoms similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. Common symptoms experienced by gout sufferers are pain in the joints and adjacent connective tissues, as well as swelling and inflammation of the lower limbs.
To control gout, people need to have an understanding of the factors that lead to the excessive formation of uric acid in the blood. About one-third of the uric acid in the body comes from food and alcohol. A person who has gout must restrain him or herself from eating food that is rich in purines. But, gout is not caused by food alone.
How to control Gout
Other than avoiding the foods listed above, another effective strategy to combat the uric acid build-up is to drink plenty of water. Water detoxifies the system, and by increasing urination helps to avoid the crystallization process. In order to alleviate the symptoms generated by gout attacks, doctors usually prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients who experience severe gout attacks may be prescribed injections with corticosteroids, which provide rapid relief for joint pain and tenderness. Common medications that can prevent the occurrence of future gout attacks are probenecid, sulfinpyrazone and allopurinol. Effective Gout Relief For individuals that are suffering from gout, there is a solution that can offer instant relief, without the use of any dangerous drugs.
