Importance of Treating Gout and Hyperuricemia

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of urate crystals in joints, closely linked to hyperuricemia (HUA). HUA refers to elevated serum uric acid levels measured twice on separate days: >420 μmol/L in men and >360 μmol/L in women under normal dietary conditions. While HUA serves as the primary biochemical basis for gout, it is distinct from gout, which develops only with the onset of inflammatory arthritis or tophaceous deposits.

Symptoms and Stages of Gout

Acute Phase: Sudden, severe pain often affecting one or more joints, typically occurring at night, with redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

Intermittent Phase: Characterized by high uric acid levels but without joint symptoms.

Chronic Phase: Excessive urate crystal deposits result in visible tophi around joints.

Advanced Phase: Enlarging tophi lead to joint dysfunction and potential kidney damage, progressing to gouty nephropathy.

Comprehensive Gout Treatment

1. Non-Pharmacological Measures:

Dietary Control:

Avoid high-purine foods (e.g., organ meats, seafood, broths).

Opt for low-purine options, including fresh vegetables and fruits.

Limit alcohol, especially beer.

Include quality proteins (e.g., milk, eggs) and use cooking methods that reduce purine content (e.g., boiling meat and discarding the broth).

Avoid overly restrictive diets to prevent nutritional imbalances.

Exercise: Engage in moderate aerobic activities like brisk walking or jogging.

Weight Management: Gradually reduce weight to lower the risk of flare-ups.

Hydration: Drink 2,000–3,000 ml of fluids daily, emphasizing water or alkaline beverages.

2. Pharmacological Measures:

Anti-inflammatory medications for acute attacks (e.g., colchicine, NSAIDs).

Long-term urate-lowering therapy to prevent recurrences, reduce tophi, and protect kidneys.

Consistent medication use is critical even after symptoms subside.

3. Self-Management and Regular Checkups:

Adhering to treatment plans improves outcomes and quality of life.

Common Misconceptions:

Treating only during flare-ups without addressing chronic hyperuricemia.

Neglecting non-pharmacological interventions due to fear of medication side effects.

Keywords: Gout, Hyperuricemia, Uric Acid Management