According to Pharmacist Nguyen Thi Kim Anh - Department of Pharmacy, Thu Duc Regional General Hospital, gout, if not treated properly, acute gout usually lasts 1-2 weeks and tends to recur more and more severely.
As soon as sudden joint pain, hot swelling, especially on the big toe, appears, patients should go to a medical facility early.Doctors will examine and test to diagnose gout, prescribe appropriate medication and advise on lifestyle to limit recurrence.
Gout treatment includes two main objectives: reducing pain during acute gout and lowering uric acid in the blood to prevent long-term complications. Note, you should not arbitrarily start uric acid-lowering drugs right during acute gout if not prescribed by a doctor; conversely, if you are taking this medicine, do not stop it arbitrarily.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen are often used to reduce pain and swelling. Although effective quickly, this group of drugs can cause stomach pain, high blood pressure or kidney effects if used for a long time. Aspirin is not recommended in the treatment of gout because it can increase uric acid.
Colchicine is a specific medicine for gout, helping to reduce pain after 12-24 hours but easily causing nausea and diarrhea if used at high or prolonged doses. Corticosteroids are used when patients do not respond or cannot use the above two groups of drugs, but should only be used for a short time due to the risk of side effects.
For people with recurrent gout or high blood uric acid, doctors may prescribe uric acid-reducing drugs such as allopurinol or febuxostat. These drugs need to be taken regularly, for a long time and closely monitored, without arbitrarily stopping medication during treatment.
Gout patients need to limit alcohol, animal organs, and seafood with high purines; maintain a reasonable weight, drink enough water, increase green vegetables and fruits. In addition, be careful with diuretics and always talk to your doctor before changing treatment drugs.
