The Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA) estimated in 2015 that 1.6% of Filipinos have gout. This common and episodic form of arthritis is found mostly in men who are aged 20 and above and in post-menopausal women.
According to Mayo Clinic, gout is a “painful form of arthritis” that occurs when you have high levels of uric acid in your body. The normal range of uric acid levels in adults may vary: 2.5 to 7.5 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) for women and 4.0 to 8.5 mg/dL for men. Those who have gout suffer from crystal formations around a certain joint (usually at the base of your big toe) and can be quite uncomfortable if left untreated.
Causes
Cleveland Clinic explains that uric acid is a waste product found in your blood that is created when your body breaks down chemicals called purines. It is usually naturally dissolved and excreted through your urine, but certain conditions may cause you to retain high amounts of uric acid, thus resulting in a condition called hyperuricemia or gout.
Living an unhealthy lifestyle and consuming excessive amounts of food and beverages high in purines may certainly increase your chances of suffering from gout. Other factors which may also cause a spike in uric acid include:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Psoriasis
- Taking certain medications like diuretics
- Hypothyroidism
- Drinking high amounts of alcohol (especially beer)
- Eating purine-rich food like seafood and organ meats
Gout can easily be managed provided that you follow your doctor’s recommendations, improve your diet, and overall lifestyle.
Symptoms
Gout patients experience severe joint pains that can last for several hours. Swelling or discomfort usually occurs around the large joint of your big toe, also known as “podagra.” Other signs of high uric acid or gout include:
- Inflammation and redness around affected joints
- Difficulty in moving or using affected joints
Suffering from gout can lead to serious health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, and other permanent bone/tissue damage. Immediately consult a doctor once symptoms arise, most especially if you have a family medical history of the disease.
Recommended lifestyle
Leading a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise can help lower your uric acid, and improve your overall state of health. Consider these other lifestyle changes as well:
- Avoid sugary snacks that contain high levels of fructose
- Increase water intake to help flush out uric acid
- Monitor insulin levels to detect early symptoms
- Reduce stress
- Enrich your diet with whole grains and lean meat
- Take vitamin C supplements to help lower uric acid levels
Always consult your doctor before you make any drastic changes to your current lifestyle. To help relieve the symptoms of gout, you may also ask your doctor on which medicines to take. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Naproxen Sodium (Skelan) can be used to help manage bothersome symptoms of gout such as pain and inflammation.
What is Naproxen Sodium (Skelan®)?
Naproxen Sodium (Skelan) provides fast and long-lasting relief from pain caused by arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. It works at the site of injury to reduce swelling and pain.
- Works in as fast as 30 minutes
- Lasts up to 12 hours
This product contains Naproxen Sodium which belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs). Like other NSAIDs, Naproxen Sodium works by changing the body’s chemical response to pain, swelling and fever resulting in relief of symptoms of inflammation (e.g., swelling, redness) and relief of pain and/or fever.
Recommended dosage
Like other NSAIDS, the lowest effective dose of naproxen sodium should be used for the shortest possible time. This medicine is given orally (by mouth). Drink a full glass of water with each dose. For guidance, the dosage and frequency are included here:
- Adults: 1 tablet every 8 to 12 hours as needed, or, as directed by a doctor.
- Do not exceed 2 tablets in any 8 to 12-hour period.
- Do not exceed 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Adults over 65 years: 1 tablet every 12 hours, or, as directed by a doctor.
- Do not take more than 1 tablet every 12 hours unless directed by a doctor.
- Children under 12 years old: Consult a doctor before use.
*Naproxen Sodium (Skelan) is available in all leading drugstores nationwide.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Ref: U143P092520SS
Sources:
- https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/which-foods-are-safe-for-gout
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17808-high-uric-acid-level#:~:text=If%20too%20much%20uric%20acid,kidneys%20and%20form%20kidney%20stones.
- https://www.livescience.com/34729-gout-causes-symptoms-treatment.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/high-uric-acid-level/basics/causes/sym-20050607
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-reduce-uric-acid
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/gout-diet/art-20048524
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897#:~:text=It's%20characterized%20by%20sudden%2C%20severe,big%20toe%20is%20on%20fire.
- https://rheumatology.org.ph/2015/03/01/pra-launches-its-gout-awareness-campaign/
- https://www.pcp.org.ph/files/PJIM%20Vol54%20No3/Clinical_Profile_of_Filipino_Female_Patients_with_Gout_Seen_in_Adult_Rheumatology_Clinics_in_the_National_Capital_Region_Philippines.pdf
- https://www.healthline.com/health/uric-acid-blood#test-results
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