Since ancient times, many people have suffered from the pain of having an acute gout attack. Surely you have heard or read about this ailment that in the Middle Ages affected nobles and kings and that, today, can affect the entire population, but with a greater tendency in men.
An attack of gout can be a very annoying circumstance, uric acid is located in the lowest area of the body due to its weight and gravity and a constant prick is noticed in the big toe, a pain that those who have lived They call it unbearable and horrible. In this FastlyHealarticle we are going to learn how long an acute gout attack lasts .
Table of Contents
What is gout and its causes
What we call gout is a type of arthritis, gouty arthritis , and it is so called because from history it has been conceived as a drop of uric acid that our digestive and excretory systems cannot eliminate with what accumulates in our blood and because it has a high density it ends up resting on the big toe, what a drop that falls.
But what we know as gout, not only affects that area, but the small uric acid crystals are posing and placing in our joints without being able to be acquired or expelled, which generates arthritis. What this disease entails is stiffness, inflammation, increased temperature and sensitivity of the joint, causing continuous pain in our affected joints. The crystals that have settled in our joints are like needles that prick them, generating inflammation and small wounds.
The causes can be very varied , including:
- An abnormality in the functioning of the digestive and excretory system.
- An excessive production of uric acid.
- A genetic abnormality.
- An excessive intake of foods that contain it, such as sausages, patés, organ meats, red meat, seafood, asparagus, cauliflower or dairy.
How long does an acute gout attack last?
We speak of an acute gout attack when we find uric acid levels so high that they generate a situation of constant pain in the joints that can be felt in all parts of the body. It is a stabbing pain, which is increased with any slight friction or contact and which can cause dizziness, fevers and also fainting in the highest cases of pain.
Its duration will depend on each person and on the ability of your own body to act against uric acid, but it is usually maintained between a period of 3 to 10 days . The following acute gout attacks that occur after the first one, will be even longer since the body presents more and more difficulties to eliminate this element, with which gout attacks of up to 20 days could be suffered if they are not taken. the appropriate measures to prevent the appearance of this ailment.
If we do not react to these ailments and the signals that the body shows us, we could speak of a chronification of gout , which would lead to a situation of perpetual pain and that could affect other organs and systems of our body, from the skin, kidneys or that involve immobility of certain areas due to the deposition of crystals, the most common would be on the hands and feet. Thus, we could speak that the acute gout attack could last chronically and resources would be sought to reduce pain and make life easier for people who suffer from it, but these are the less common cases.
Treatment and prevention of gout
Before the first experience of acute gout, in the first place, we must go to our doctor to analyze the case and propose the most appropriate treatment for our situation. Typically, drug treatments with anti- inflammatory drugs and pain relievers are used to ease the pain. A very common treatment in these cases is Colchicine or corticosteroid drugs, as well as drugs that block or eliminate uric acid production .
In any case, the treatment is usually accompanied by a proposal to change the diet that will help us reduce the painful effect of excess uric acid and, in turn, will lead to a new habit that will help us prevent new episodes of gout . What is most advised against this ailment is:
- Eliminate the abuse of food based on meat, especially organ meats, sausages and red meat.
- Reduce the consumption of oily fish and, above all, shellfish.
- Do not drink alcohol, or reduce its intake.
- Avoid fried foods.
- Drink two liters of water a day.
- Drinking a daily coffee helps keep uric acid stable.
- Add spices such as ginger, turmeric or thyme to your dishes or infusions as they help eliminate uric acid from our body.
- Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially raw or steamed.
- Perform physical exercise daily.
These are the diet and lifestyle recommendations that can cause you to improve and prevent this ailment. We want to remind you that if you think you may be suffering from gout, it is important that you go to your doctor to take the appropriate resources for your case. We hope that this article on gout and how long an acute gout attack lasts has provided you with information of interest.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How long does an acute gout attack last , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.