Gout is a form of arthritis that affects approximately eight million Americans. It is a condition that is due to the abnormal deposition of monosodium urate- also known as uric acid (UA)- in body tissues. This disease is a metabolic condition due to the body's inability to get rid of UA. UA is a byproduct of the metabolism of purines, substances that are found in many types of food. While animals have an enzyme, called uricase, that is capable of breaking down monosodium urate, human beings do not.
What is disturbing is that gouty arthritis is a disease which is increasing in incidence. Presumably, this phenomenon is related to the epidemic of obesity occurring in the United States as well as other developed nations. This obesity is fueled by dietary indiscretion as well as the ever-growing presence of high fructose containing foods and beverages.
This article will present some important tips for people who have this condition to help themselves.
1. Recognize the stage of gout you have. There are three stages and each is managed differently. Even most doctors don't know about the three stages but if you have this disease you need to.
2. Treating gout the right way involves treating the acute attack first, and then treating the underlying problem, which is the excess accumulation of UA. If you do one without the other, it's not effective.
3. Gout drugs have side effects. You have to know about these particularly if you're taking medicines for other conditions since drug interaction can occur. Some can be life-threatening.
4. Diet is important regardless of what you hear. And exercise is important as well. The first exercise many patients need to start with is the "push away from the dinner table" exercise.
5. People with gouty arthritis need to understand why dehydration can be a problem for people with gout... and how to avoid it.
6. Know that this disease is often associated with other medical conditions that can have an adverse impact on both gout as well as the treatment for gout. Examples include diabetes, elevated blood lipids, heart disease, and kidney disease.
7. The chief goal of treating an acute gout attack is to start treatment early in order to either prevent or minimize the intensity of the attack, relieve pain, and reduce the chance of disability. Gout attacks can incapacitate a person for a long time if this simple directive isn't followed.
By following these tips, you can get a head start on controlling your disease.
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