Abstract
Gout is recognized by sudden onsets of joint pain and swelling caused by imbalances in production and excretion of uric acid. Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for gout, however, not all patients with hyperuricemia will develop gout. Other risk factors include hypertension, renal insufficiency, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, high purine diets, and medications such as thiazide diuretics and low dose aspirin. Management of gout and hyperuricemia can be achieved through inhibiting urate synthesis, enhancing urate excretion, or both. Medications to treat gout include NSAIDs, colchicine, and glucocorticosteroids. Chronic therapy with uricosuric agents or xanthine oxidase inhibitors may be necessary for those with recurrent attacks.
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