Saturday, March 16, 2024

Does Having Gout Make You Tired

Pain In Your Knees Ankles Wrists And/or Elbows

What is gout arthritis? How does uric acid cause inflammation?

While uric acid crystals tend to deposit themselves near the big toe, they can form in any joint in the body. That means severe, unexplained pain in any joint could be a sign of gout.

Some people develop pain in just one joint , but about 25 percent of gout patients have polyarticular symptoms meaning they strike more than one joint at a time, says Dr. Huffstutter.

What You Can Do

If you think your condition is getting worse, talk to your doctor. They will give you medicine to keep your uric acid levels low and to try to prevent future attacks and complications.

Allopurinol treats chronic gout by lowering the uric acid produced in your body.

also lowers uric acid production but would be used with caution if you are at risk for heart or blood vessel disease.

Once you start taking these medicines, youâll need to take them for life so that your uric acid stays at the right levels.

Probenecid and lesinurad help the body get rid of more uric acid in your urine. Pegloticase and rasburicase can break down uric acid into a substance that your body can get rid of. They are only for very severe gout that doesnât get better with usual treatments.

Scientists are also testing new treatments for chronic gout. At the same time, researchers are getting a better understanding of how the body makes and breaks down uric acid. Insights from this research could lead to new treatments in the future.

The Causes Of Sleep Interruption Due To Gout

B. Not able to get in a comfortable position during gout flare and unable to fall and stay sleep

Six groups listed this among their top concerns. Gout flare interfered with the ability to get the affected joint and the body in a comfortable position, which interfered with the ability to fall and stay sleep. Patients felt that this was due to: the need to keep re-positioning the body every few minutes the need to use many pillows to prop up the foot to get comfortable inability to use the sheets, since it hurt to even let the sheet touch the joint with flare inability to lay on the side that has an affected joint with a flare the need to sit up in a chair or sleep in a recliner the whole night sometimes and requirement to keep adjusting the air-conditioning to get comfortable during the gout flare.

C. Anxiety and depression associated with severe pain during a gout attack/flare interfering with sleep

D. Sleep interruption by moderate chronic joint pain due to gout, not related to flares

Three patient groups listed this among their top concerns. Patients reported chronic joint pain due to gout that affected them every day, not just during gout flares. Patients indicated that this joint pain was a 5 or 6 on a 010 scale, and not nearly as bad as the flare pain . Patients indicated that they could control this chronic joint pain with medication self-management, in contrast to flare-associated pain, which never responded very well to self-management.

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Who Can And Can’t Take Colchicine

Colchicine can be taken by most adults aged 18 and over.

It can sometimes be prescribed for children by a specialist doctor.

Colchicine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to colchicine or any other medicines
  • have a severe blood disorder
  • have severe kidney or liver problems
  • have problems with your heart or digestive system
  • are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are trying for a baby

Women who could become pregnant will usually only be prescribed colchicine if they are using suitable contraception.

What Causes Kidney Malfunction

Common Gout Related Questions

A major culprit of kidney problems is an acidic diet . A brand-new study sheds light on the renal problems that can be caused by a high-acid, meat-rich diet.

The study followed 1,500 people with kidney disease for a period of 14 years. Participants who ate a diet high in meat came very close to experiencing complete kidney failure, while those who ate more fruits and vegetables did not even come close to kidney failure. Researchers estimate that an acidic diet can make it three times more likely for your kidneys to fail.1

Says lead study author Dr. Tanushree Banejee,

Patients with chronic kidney disease may want to pay more attention to diet consumption of acid rich foods to reduce progression to kidney failuredialysis treatmentsmay be avoided by adopting a more healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.1

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What Are The Stages Of Gout

  • Hyperuricemia is a high level of uric acid. Hyperuricemia is not gout, but it increases your risk for gout. You may have no symptoms at this stage, and it usually does not need treatment.
  • Acute gouty arthritis starts with a sudden attack of pain and swelling, usually in 1 joint. This may be in your big toe. The attack may last from a few days to 2 weeks.
  • Intercritical gout is the time between attacks. You may go months or years without another attack. You will not have joint pain or stiffness, but this does not mean your gout is cured. You will still need treatment to prevent chronic gout.
  • Chronic tophaceous gout develops if gout is not treated. Large amounts of uric acid crystals, called tophi, collect around your joints. The crystals can destroy or deform the joints. Gout attacks occur more often, and last hours to weeks. More than 1 joint may be painful and swollen. At this stage, gout symptoms do not go away on their own.

Getting The Most From Your Treatment

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are on colchicine. This is because grapefruit juice increases the risk that you will experience side-effects from the colchicine.
  • Colchicine tablets are taken in short courses of treatment to relieve the pain of a gout attack. If you have frequent attacks of gout, let your doctor know as they may prescribe another medicine for you to take every day to help prevent the attacks from occurring.
  • There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce the risk of having a gout attack. These include losing weight , eating a healthy diet and not drinking much alcohol or sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Your doctor will advise you about the changes which could benefit you.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much colchicine can cause serious problems. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of colchicine or has swallowed some by accident, you must contact a doctor straightaway. Alternatively, go to the accident and emergency department of a local hospital. Do not delay. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This is so the doctor knows what has been taken.

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Signs Of Kidney Disease

  • You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
  • You’re having trouble sleeping. When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can make it difficult to sleep. There is also a link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea is more common in those with chronic kidney disease, compared with the general population.
  • You have dry and itchy skin. Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, help keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in your blood.Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood.
  • You feel the need to urinate more often. If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes this can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men.
  • When To See Your Doctor

    Why Does Dietary Protein NOT Cause Gout? Dr.Berg

    If you think you have PHN and have shingles, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

    This is because PHN can sometimes lead to PVFS.

    If you see a doctor, theyll help you identify the symptoms of PHN and shingles.

    You can also talk with your doctor about your mental health.

    They can explain the symptoms of PVFS. They can also help you find ways to manage the shingles and PHN symptoms.

    If youre worried that you have PVFS, you should see your doctor. They can help you manage PVFS symptoms.

    If youre worried about depression, you can also talk to your doctor. They can help you manage the symptoms of depression.

    They can also refer you to a mental health specialist for treatment if needed.

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    When Gout Becomes A Long

    When uric acid levels in your blood stay too high, more and more crystals form around your joints. It can turn into a long-term condition, leading to painful and damaged joints.

    Gout will happen differently for everyone. But signs that it may be getting worse include:

    • Flares happen more often and last longer. Over time, the inflammation causes lasting damage to bone and cartilage.
    • Flare-ups in other parts of your body. About half of people with gout have their first attack in the joint at the base of the big toe. When gout gets worse, it can affect other joints, including the ankle and knee.
    • Bumps form under the skin. Uric acid crystals may start to collect in soft tissue, forming lumps called tophi. They often appear on the hands, fingers, elbows, and ears, but they can show up almost anywhere on the body.
    • Kidney problems. Your kidneys normally get rid of uric acid in your body. But too much of it can also damage the organs. Kidney problems linked with gout — and signs that gout is getting worse — include gouty kidney, kidney stones, and kidney failure.

    Important Information About All Medicines

    This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

    If you buy any medicines ‘over-the-counter’, always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take alongside your other medicines.

    If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

    Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

    If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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    How To Treat Gout

    Gout affecting the entire body and making you sick. In order to alleviate or treat an acute gout attack, you need to take anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or ibuprofen. It is important for people with chronic gout to eat good diet, avoid alcohol, and exercise so they wont have to experience another attack. In addition, chronic gout might also be treated with medications such as lesinurad, colchicine, probenecid, allopurinol, or febuxostat.

    Stage : Interval Or Intercritical Gout

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    Like the calm in the eye of a storm, gout can lie dormant between attacks. Youll usually experience a pain-free period after an attack that can last months or even years.

    However, uric acid may continue to build up in your bloodstream and joint spaces, plotting its next assault. Continue to see your doctor regularly and follow his or her orders for eating right, drinking plenty of water, and taking medicine. Losing weight if youre heavy can also prevent future attacks.

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    How Repeated Gout Attacks Affect Your Joints

    When gout flares, your white blood cells attack the uric acid crystals that form on the linings of your joints and can get damaged in the process. The chemicals they release cause pain, swelling, and more inflammation. Left untreated, repeated gout attacks can permanently damage your joints and inhibit your mobility.

    How Is A Gout Attack Treated

    It is best to get treatment for a gout attack within the first 24 hours after symptoms start. Your health care professional may suggest a medicine to reduce pain and swelling. This medicine may be:

    • An NSAID such as ibuprofen , indomethacin , or naproxen taken by mouth.
    • An anti-inflammatory medicine called colchicine, taken by mouth.
    • A corticosteroid, such as prednisone or triamcinolone .

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    Treating A Gout Attack

    Treating an attack of gout doesnt lower your urate levels or stop future attacks. The treatment helps you to manage your symptoms when an attack happens.

    The most commonly used drug treatments for attacks of gout are:

    Some people will be better suited to NSAIDS, while others will be suited to colchicine. But your preference is also taken into consideration many people with gout quickly learn what works best for them.

    In cases where one drug doesnt seem to be working on its own, your doctor might suggest a combination of NSAIDs with either colchicine or steroids.

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

    Attacks of gout are often treated with NSAID tablets, which can help with pain and reduce some of your inflammation. Ibuprofen, Naproxen and diclofenac are three NSAIDs you could be given.

    If youve been prescribed NSAIDs to treat an attack, you should start taking them as soon as you notice signs of one coming on. Your doctor may let you keep a supply so you can start taking them at the first signs of an attack.

    The earlier you start treatment, the better.

    NSAIDs arent suitable for everyone, so talk to your doctor about them first if you have any other conditions. They can also interact with other drugs, so make sure you talk to a doctor before starting on any new medication.

    Colchicine

    Colchicine isnt a painkiller, but can be very effective at reducing the inflammation caused by urate crystals.

    Colchicine tablets can cause diarrhoea or stomach aches.

    Steroids

    Interrupts Your Circadian Rhythm

    The BEST Video About Gout Ever Made

    Your circadian rhythm determines when it is time to go to sleep and stay awake. As well as this, the circadian rhythm is responsible for regulating mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls the sleep and waking cycle, and helps to keep us happy and energised. Regular alcohol consumption lowers serotonin levels in the brain. Low serotonin levels are linked to poor sleep and low mood.4

    Alcohol also reduces melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced at night and it plays a key role in adjusting your body clock and helping you to feel sleepy. It goes hand in hand with serotonin . Serotonin is converted into melatonin. As I mentioned above, alcohol consumption inhibits REM sleep, so this may affect your serotonin production, which could ultimately affect your sleep.

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    Can Colchicine Cause Problems

    Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with colchicine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

    Common colchicine side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
    Feeling sick or being sick , pain in your tummy Stop your course of tablets and let your symptoms settle. If the sickness continues or is severe, speak with your doctor
    Diarrhoea Stop your course of tablets and let your symptoms settle. If this is severe or contains blood, speak with your doctor straightaway

    If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

    Medications For Acute Gout

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and COX-2 inhibitors are the mainstay of therapy of acute attacks of gout in patients who have no contra-indication to them. These medications include such agents as naproxen , ibuprofen , celecoxib , indomethacin and many others. These agents reliably decrease the inflammation and pain of gout. However, patients with ulcers, hypertension, coronary disease, and fluid retention must be careful with these agents, even for the short courses needed to resolve a gout attack. The doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents needed to resolve a gout attack are on the higher side, since full anti-inflammatory effect is needed. See examples of dosage in Table 2. Over-the-counter dosage levels, for example, ibuprofen at 200mg, two tabs three times a day, are often insufficient.
  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone , are anti-inflammatory agents that are quite effective against gout attacks. Anti-inflammatory steroids are very different in action and side-effects as compared to male hormone steroids. Anti-inflammatory steroids have long-term risks, such as bone thinning and infection, but their risk for short-term therapy is relatively low. These agents can raise blood pressure and blood sugar, so can be a problem for those with uncontrolled hypertension or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
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    When Should I Call My Doctor

    • You have a fever, chills, or body aches.
    • You are confused or more tired than usual.
    • You have new symptoms, such as a rash, after you start gout treatment.
    • Your joint pain and swelling do not go away, even after treatment.
    • You are not urinating as much or as often as you usually do.
    • You have trouble taking your gout medicines.

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