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EDUCATION CENTER: Patient Actions

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Gout

Patient Actions

Immediate Action
  • Do NOT take aspirin. It can make the gout worse by slowing down the excretion of uric acid.
  • Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. This helps the body get rid of extra uric acid.
  • Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol makes it more difficult for the body to get rid of uric acid.
  • If you are overweight, see your doctor about a safe weight-loss program.
  • DON’T crash diet, since quick weight loss may bring on gout.
  • Avoid organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbreads) and other protein-rich foods.
  • Use warm or cold compresses for joint pain.
  • Make a frame to raise bedsheets off any painful joint.

See Your Doctor If:
  • You have symptoms of gout with pain in one joint for several days straight or if during treatment you have a fever of 101F, diarrhea or vomiting, or if symptoms continue for more than 3 days during treatment.
  • New, unexplained symptoms develop.

See Your Doctor To:
  • Get medication for pain
  • Control joint inflammation
  • Control metabolic problems

Last updated: Jan-01-09

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