Quick Tips on Gout

02 Apr Quick Tips on Gout

Gout is a condition that I see very commonly. I love it. I love treating it. But I’m glad that I don’t have it…. 😉

Most gout is very easy to manage and to treat. In my experience, most people do very well with appropriate medications and dietary changes.

There are some key things that I get asked and things that people get confused about so here are some simple take home messages about Gout.

1. Do not stop taking your preventer (Allopurinol or Febuxostat) unless your Rheumatologist tells you to. In the event of an acute attack do not stop it.
   1. Stopping and starting your preventer upsets the uric acid balance in the body and makes you more predisposed to flares.
2. Diet changes can be a big support with Gout, but I don’t recommend doing these things without the support of medication if you get 4 or more attacks a year.
   1. There is a lot that is written about Gout and diet, but the bottom line is that your body will have a relationship with food that is unique.
   2. Work out your own triggers from your own experience, otherwise your diet will be very Spartan!
3. Stopping alcohol is the single best thing you can do for Gout (apart from taking the drugs that you need!).