If you have been recently diagnosed with gout, there is a great deal of information you need to know.
While even doctors are still learning more about gout every day, there is certainly ample information that is available to you.
Here, we will examine some facts about gout that every patient and loved one should know.
What Increases the Risks of Developing Gout? Most patients are aware that gout is the result of a buildup of uric acid within the body, but did you know that there are many health conditions and factors that make you more likely to develop the disease? Genes, weight, and gender can all increase the chances of developing gout.
Men, the overweight, and those who have a family member are all more likely to develop the condition.
Likewise, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older individuals.
Of course, there are also certain health conditions that are commonly found in patients diagnosed with gout.
Research shows that people who are obese or diabetic are more likely to develop gout.
The same is true for individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
While risk factors such as age and gender may be unavoidable, you will find that treating health conditions such as these can reduce your chances of developing gout and can help decrease the likelihood of the condition flaring up.
Will I Always Have Gout? This can be a tricky question to answer.
For some patients, what is known as an acute gout attack is possible.
For these patients, a single flare of gout occurs, but the condition never comes back.
It is important, however, to understand that this is fairly unlikely.
Most patients experience at least some symptoms of gout more than once in their lifetime, and without proper preventative and treatment measures, gout symptoms and flares can actually be rather frequent for some.
Is Medication the Only Treatment Option? There are a number of medications available to treat both the symptoms and causes of gout.
It is up to you and your doctor to determine whether medication is the right answer for you.
Some patients find great relief from medications, while others find side effects more bothersome than symptoms.
Taking a look at all of the available treatment options, including medications, diet and exercise changes, and herbal supplements and considering the risks of a medication versus the severity of your symptoms can help you make a more informed choice.
What Gout Treatment Works Best? In terms of which treatment will be right for you, there is no single answer.
Some patients do best with NSAID pain relievers and ice packs, while others do better with herbal remedies and the elimination of alcohol and high purine foods.
Every patient and every body chemistry is different, and it may take a bit of trial and error with diet, lifestyle, herbs, and perhaps even medication to find the best gout treatment and prevention strategy for you.
While even doctors are still learning more about gout every day, there is certainly ample information that is available to you.
Here, we will examine some facts about gout that every patient and loved one should know.
What Increases the Risks of Developing Gout? Most patients are aware that gout is the result of a buildup of uric acid within the body, but did you know that there are many health conditions and factors that make you more likely to develop the disease? Genes, weight, and gender can all increase the chances of developing gout.
Men, the overweight, and those who have a family member are all more likely to develop the condition.
Likewise, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older individuals.
Of course, there are also certain health conditions that are commonly found in patients diagnosed with gout.
Research shows that people who are obese or diabetic are more likely to develop gout.
The same is true for individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
While risk factors such as age and gender may be unavoidable, you will find that treating health conditions such as these can reduce your chances of developing gout and can help decrease the likelihood of the condition flaring up.
Will I Always Have Gout? This can be a tricky question to answer.
For some patients, what is known as an acute gout attack is possible.
For these patients, a single flare of gout occurs, but the condition never comes back.
It is important, however, to understand that this is fairly unlikely.
Most patients experience at least some symptoms of gout more than once in their lifetime, and without proper preventative and treatment measures, gout symptoms and flares can actually be rather frequent for some.
Is Medication the Only Treatment Option? There are a number of medications available to treat both the symptoms and causes of gout.
It is up to you and your doctor to determine whether medication is the right answer for you.
Some patients find great relief from medications, while others find side effects more bothersome than symptoms.
Taking a look at all of the available treatment options, including medications, diet and exercise changes, and herbal supplements and considering the risks of a medication versus the severity of your symptoms can help you make a more informed choice.
What Gout Treatment Works Best? In terms of which treatment will be right for you, there is no single answer.
Some patients do best with NSAID pain relievers and ice packs, while others do better with herbal remedies and the elimination of alcohol and high purine foods.
Every patient and every body chemistry is different, and it may take a bit of trial and error with diet, lifestyle, herbs, and perhaps even medication to find the best gout treatment and prevention strategy for you.