Gout Treatment

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• Colchicine, which works best when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack.

Sometimes gout treatment consists of NSAIDs or colchicine in small daily doses to prevent future attacks. There are also medicines that lower the level of uric acid in the blood.

gout treatment to Stay Healthy

Some actions that you can take to stay healthy are:

• Take the medicines your doctor prescribes as directed.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines and vitamins you take.
• Plan followup visits with your doctor.
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid foods that are high in purines, and drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight. Ask your doctor about how to lose weight safely. Fast or extreme weight loss can increase uric acid levels in the blood.

gout treatment Research

• Which NSAIDs are the most effective treatments for gout
• Optimal dosages of medications for gout
• New medicines that safely lower uric acid in the blood and reduce symptoms
• New therapies that block a chemical called tumor necrosis factor
• Enzymes that break down purines in the body
• The role of foods and certain vitamins
• The role of genetics and environmental factors
• The interactions of cells involved in acute gout attacks.

Scientists are also studying the role of genetics and environmental factors in hyperuricemia and gout.