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Reviewed By: Varnada Karriem-Norwood,
SOURCES: 2010 Medical Reference from Medstar Television.John Nuschke, MD, General Internist, Lehigh Valley Internists, Allentown, Pa.
© 1999-2011 Medstar Television
Ray Pisaneschi (Piz-ah-NESS-skee) had his first attack of gout several years ago - right before a business trip.
It literally knocked me down. I mean it was so painful, I had to cancel my part of the trip.
He's had two more attacks since – all in his right big toe.
There's actually a name for this called podagra, when it's infecting this joint.
Gout occurs when an overload of uric acid in the blood crystallizes in the joint. A microscopic look at the joint fluid can confirm the diagnosis.
The uric acid crystals look as nasty as the disease itself. They're sharp and look like little icicles stabbing into the, sometimes the white blood cells.
Treatment can be tricky. Patients have to find what works for them. There are anti-inflammatories to treat the pain. Certain dietary changes can help prevent uric acid build up.
You can tell people to stay away from protein, high-protein diets, certain vegetables can sort of bring on gout, like asparagus and certain alcoholic beverages, in particular, beer.
If gout becomes chronic, there are prescription drugs that lower uric acid levels.
There are other drugs that are used to help excrete uric acid at a higher rate.
Ray's learned a lot on his journey toward relief.
Clink wine glasses
For example, white wine is less gout-risky than red. And water's key to staying hydrated. Still when he gets a slight pain...
I'm wondering, is this an attack?
If it is, it's back to the drawing board. If not, it's something to celebrate. For WebMD, I'm Sandee Lamotte.
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