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Acute gout is a painful condition characterized by sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. It is crucial to manage these episodes promptly to alleviate pain, prevent further joint damage, and reduce the risk of recurrence. Effective treatment strategies focus on rapidly controlling inflammation and addressing the underlying hyperuricemia to prevent future flares.
The management of acute gout includes a combination of pharmacological treatments and supportive care to ensure both immediate relief and long-term prevention. Tailoring the treatment approach to individual patient needs—considering their medical history, comorbidities, and medication tolerance—is essential for optimizing outcomes and improving quality of life. This approach not only targets the acute symptoms but also addresses lifestyle factors and medication adherence to manage the chronic nature of gout.
| Management Strategy | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Treatments | Choose based on patient's comorbidities, preferences, and co-prescriptions. | |
| Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) | Administer at maximum dosage, e.g., naproxen. | Avoid aspirin as it is contraindicated in gout. |
| Colchicine | Effective for reducing inflammation. | |
| Oral Corticosteroid | Prescribe a short course, e.g., prednisolone 30-35 mg/day for 3-5 days. | This is considered an off-label use. |
| Supportive Treatments | ||
| Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Prescribe alongside NSAIDs for gastric protection. | Especially important for patients at... |
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