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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Gout

Gout is an arthritic condition of the body connected with an excess of uric acid in the blood.

Gout causes the joints to become red, swollen and painful. Uric acid crystals are deposited in joints, tendons, kidneys and other tissues where they cause inflammation and damage.

The most common area on the body for Gout to occur is the joint of the big toe. Gout is not a single disease but is a syndrome resulting from high levels of uric acid in the blood.

There are several possible causes of Gout. They include:

• Foods high in purines increase uric acid levels.
• A high intake of protein, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, coffee and meat, and a low intake of fruits and vegetables may also cause Gout.
• Drugs such as aspirin, penicillin, diuretics and insulin may reduce the ability to excrete uric acid from the body.
• Alcohol increases uric acid production and reduces uric acid excretion. Alcohol may also impair kidney function.
• Obesity may cause Gout.
• Hereditary factors.
• Insufficient exercise.
• Kidney disease or dysfunction leads to decrease clearance of uric acid.
• Lead toxicity.

Health Management

As with all conditions your doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition.

A simple blood test will diagnose the problem immediately. Usually any prescribed medicine is directed towards reducing the content of the uric acid in the blood and relieving the symptoms.

Some patients have to take medication for long periods of time. A variety of over-the-counter topical analgesics are available.

These are usually creams or gels which may be rubbed into the painful area several times a day. Such creams should not be applied to broken or irritated shin, and hands must be washed well after application.

If it is your hands that are being treated, wear a pair of light cotton gloves to prevent creams from getting into the eyes. Creams may interact with oral medications, so always ask your doctor or pharmacist before commencing a new treatment.

Diet Hints

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol Minimise fructose (fruit sugar) intake.
• Reduce saturated fat intake as this may increase uric acid retention.
• Juices such as celery, alfalfa and carrot may help remove excess uric acid from the body.
• Avoid foods high in purines such as liver, kidney, heart, brains, pate, sardines, herrings, anchovies, mackerel, yeast, beer, asparagus and yeast products.

Feel free to come in to Healthpoint Chemist and ask our friendly staff for advice.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.