Thursday, July 28, 2011

What Is the Connection Between Hyperuricemia and Gout?

The exact relationship between hyperuricemia and gout remains unclear, although having the condition is a risk factor in developing gout. Hyperuricemia is a condition in which the level of uric acid in the blood is abnormally high due to either under-excretion or overproduction, with under-excretion being the most common reason for developing hyperuricemia.

Causes of hyperuricemia include excessive consumption of purine-rich foods, alcohol consumption, obesity and hypertension, with alcohol consumption being considered the highest risk factor. People who suffer from kidney disease or take certain medications may also suffer from hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia Does Not Always Lead to Gout

Hyperuricemia and gout are not mutually inclusive, meaning that the presence of one does not necessarily mean the presence of the other. There are patients with hyperuricemia who do not develop gout while there are some gout suffers who have normal or even low blood uric acid levels.

Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia is the term used when you have high uric acid levels without manifesting symptoms although having this condition is considered as a precursor to developing gout. Excess uric acid causes the formation of tiny urate crystals in the blood which deposit in the tissues of the joints, resulting in recurring attacks of joint inflammation that causes pain and stiffness.

Common Gout Drugs and Home Remedies

While doctors do not recommend treatment for asymptomatic hyperuricemia since it carries some risk and may not be worth it, treating hyperuricemia and gout is essential to alleviate the pain caused by the condition. For hyperuricemia that has developed into full-blown gouty arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication is used until the symptoms of inflammation are gone.

Once the most serious symptoms have abated, urate-lowering medicine may be given provided the doctors find the risk of precipitating an attack of acute gout acceptable. To address this risk, all patients who are prescribed urate-lowering drugs also receive prophylactic colchicine coverage.

There are also some home hyperuricemia and gout remedies that you can try:

Get immediate relief from extreme joint pain by taking a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda melted in a glass of water;You can also alleviate joint pain by taking a mixture of two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with a glass of water, two or three times a day for a week;Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day can help flush out excess uric acid;Taking thirty to forty cherries an hour during a gout attack may be effective in alleviating pain; alternately you can juice the cherries if it makes it easier for you to take;One teaspoon per day of vitamin A-rich cod liver oil can also help combat uric acid buildup.

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