WHAT ARE THE GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TREATING GOUT?
Acute attacks of gout and long-term treatment of gout and its associated hyperuricemia require different approaches. All phases are treated mainly with drugs. There are also specific treatment regimes for conditions associated with gout, including uric acid nephropathy and uric acid nephrolithiasis. Lifestyle Measures Many patients do not require medications. During the period between gout attacks, patients are advised to avoid foods high in purines and to maintain a healthy weight. Patients should also avoid alcohol and reduce any stress. [ See What Lifestyle Measures Can Help Prevent Gout?] Treatments for Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia Because asymptomatic hyperuricemia usually does not lead to gout or other health problems, and would have to be treated with drugs that present certain risks and can be expensive, treatment to prevent a first attack of gout in hyperuricemic patients is considered inadvisable. In unusual circumstances, for example when very high uric acid levels threaten th
