Your first gout attack might come as a shock, as it can be sudden and without any preliminary symptoms. But in fact, the process that leads to the development of gout flare-ups is not sudden, it has been going on in the body for a while. But you may not be able to understand it until your first painful gout flare-up occurs.
Gout is considered a form of inflammatory arthritis and it is formed as a result of too much uric acid levels in your system. If uric acid is not properly eliminated from the body, it can lead to the formation and accumulation of uric acid crystals, which can lead to a lot of health issues. When these crystals are accumulated in the joints, it can lead to excruciating pain and a wide array of other symptoms including inflammation, swelling, etc. This condition is generally termed gout.
Along with accumulating in the joints, the uric acid crystals can travel across the body through your blood thereby damaging your blood vessels and other internal organs. Hence, gout should be treated properly for avoiding such complications.
You can manage your gout flares by following a healthy lifestyle and taking proper treatment. The following are some of the important measures you can take to effectively control your gout symptoms.
Watch What You Eat
The foods you eat can have a great impact on your gout flare-ups. Certain foods that are high in a compound called purine can increase the risk of gout flares, as the processing of this compound by your body leads to the production of uric acid.
Certain foods bad for gout include seafood, red meat, organ meats, game meats, high-fat meals, sugary foods and drinks, etc. The consumption of alcoholic beverages can also increase the possibility of gout flares.
Instead of these foods and drinks, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes, etc in your diet for getting your everyday nutrients and improving your gout symptoms.
Understand Your Medications
Taking proper gout treatment can be greatly important in managing your symptoms. If you experience gout flares, it is important to visit your doctor who can prescribe the right medications and treatments based on your condition.
Different types of medications are prescribed for treating this condition. Some of them are listed below:
Short-Term Medications: NSAIDs and drugs like colchicine are used temporarily for managing pain and flares.
Long-Term Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications like allopurinol, lesinurad, febuxostat, pegloticase, etc. for controlling the amount of uric acid on a long-term basis.
It is important for you to follow your treatment plans and a healthy lifestyle to prevent your gout flare-ups. Otherwise, this condition can become worse and lead to many complications.
