Gout Disease Treatment in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes attacks of joint pain, particularly in the big toe. It occurs when uric acid, a waste product of protein metabolism, builds up in the blood and precipitates as crystals in the joints. Normally, uric acid is eliminated from the body through urine, but when levels become too high, it can lead to gout attacks and joint inflammation.

Types of Gout

There are two main types of gout:

• Primary Gout: The cause is currently unknown, but it occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it properly, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• Secondary Gout: This type occurs as a result of other conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or long-term use of certain medications, which can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks.

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Common Symptoms of Gout

Common symptoms of gout include:

• Sudden onset of pain, redness, and swelling of the joints, especially in the big toe joint.
• Small superficial lesions that may appear around small joints like small hard lumps, often around the fingers or toes, due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in tissues.

Causes of Gout

Gout develops when there is an excess of uric acid in the joints, either due to elevated levels of uric acid in the body or impaired elimination of it. This often occurs as a result of kidney disease or the long-term use of medications such as thiazide diuretics (used to treat hypertension), aspirin, or levodopa (used by Parkinson’s patients). Your doctor will explain this to you, and in most cases, if you are on long-term treatment that can lead to high uric acid levels, you will be monitored for these side effects. If necessary, a uric acid-lowering medication will be prescribed to help your body properly eliminate excess uric acid.

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Risk Factors of Gout

• Genetic Factors: A family history of gout increases the likelihood of developing the condition during your lifetime.
• Unhealthy Lifestyle: Obesity and poor eating habits, such as a diet high in protein, can trigger the onset of gout.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and blood cancers can disrupt the body’s ability to process uric acid, increasing the risk of developing gout.

Diagnosis of Gout

The definitive diagnosis of gout is made by analyzing a sample from the inflamed joint to identify the presence of uric acid crystals, along with elevated uric acid levels in the blood detected via blood tests.
Other diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound, can be used to assess the severity of the condition and detect joint damage or inflammation.

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Treatment Options for Gout

Treatment for gout includes the following:

• Uric acid-lowering drugs, such as allopurinol, febuxostat, and probenecid, which help reduce uric acid levels in the body.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage inflammation and pain, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids (with carefully calculated doses and tapering strategies), colchicine, and other medications based on the patient’s specific condition.

Since gout flare-ups are triggered by high uric acid levels in the serum, which cause inflammation in the joints, the medications need to complement each other. For optimal results, both uric acid-lowering drugs and anti-inflammatory medications should be used together. Relying on just one category of medication may lead to suboptimal outcomes.

Preventive Measures and Tips for Gout

To effectively manage and reduce the frequency of gout attacks, follow these tips:

• Focus on your diet:
  • Limit foods high in purines or protein, such as meat, liver, kidneys, legumes, sardines, and anchovies, as these can increase uric acid levels.
  • Increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking:
  • Refrain from alcohol, as it raises uric acid levels in the body.
  • Avoid smoking, as it interferes with the body’s natural ability to fight infection and inflammation.
• Practice regular exercise:
  • The more you exercise, the better your metabolism of uric acid becomes, reducing the likelihood of uric acid crystals forming in the joints.

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When should I see a Gout specialist?

If you experience pain, swelling, and redness in the big toe (the most commonly affected joint), or general fatigue and weakness, it’s important to consult a rheumatologist, as they specialize in diagnosing and treating gout.
Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with gout and need ongoing management, or if you have a family history of gout, joint, or autoimmune diseases, it’s crucial to schedule regular check-ups with a rheumatologist to monitor your condition and receive preventive care.

Why Choose Reem Hospital for Gout Treatment?

At Reem Hospital, we are committed to harnessing the power of medicine to effectively manage gout. Our dedication to your health drives us to offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. With the support of our specialized rheumatologists with the help of well-established rehabilitation team, you will receive expert care every step of the way, ensuring the best possible outcomes in your recovery journey.

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