Can Gout Be Cured? Exploring Treatment Options and Side Effects
Can gout be completely cured? Hello Doctor: Can gout be completely cured? Are there any side effects from taking medications to lower uric acid levels? I've heard from a friend that there is a medication prescribed by American doctors that can cure it; is there any truth to ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Gout can generally be managed through dietary changes to control the production of uric acid. Reducing the intake of high-purine foods such as meat, organ meats, and legumes, as well as avoiding alcohol, can help decrease flare-ups. New-generation uric acid-lowering medications a...[Read More] Can Gout Be Cured? Exploring Treatment Options and Side Effects
Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please Hello: I would like to ask about the pathological mechanism of gout, what medications are used for treatment, and what symptoms it has?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Gout is formed due to prolonged elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joint cavity, which causes acute attacks characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints. Over time, this can result in joint deformities ...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options
Understanding Stiff Lower Back: Kidney Issues or Weather Effects?
Stiffness in the lower back? My husband is 45 years old. He has gout and a duodenal ulcer. Recently, the weather has been quite cold, and he has noticed stiffness in his lower back (on both the left and right sides). He says it is not painful and there are no other symptoms. I wo...
Dr. Lü Yuansan Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An, Regarding your letter describing "stiffness in the lower back without any other symptoms," a simple inference might suggest that this could be related to cold weather, as the body generates heat and enhances skeletal muscle contraction. However, Taiw...[Read More] Understanding Stiff Lower Back: Kidney Issues or Weather Effects?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Blood sugar Hello: I recently had a health check-up, and my blood sugar level was 114 (normal range is 70-120). Although it is within the normal range, it is close to the upper limit. Should I be concerned that I might easily develop diabetes if this continues? Thank you for your...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: 1. The risk factors for developing diabetes primarily include genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. The genetic predisposition refers to having relatives, particularly blood relatives, who have diabetes, which increases our own risk of dev...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Joint aspiration Doctor... I went to the hospital yesterday to have joint fluid extracted, but they couldn't get any. The swelling in my left foot has not gone down for 2 to 3 months; sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't. I used to have swelling in my right inde...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. If the swelling in your left foot has not resolved after 2 to 3 months, it is important to consider the possibility of other underlying issues, including infections or rheumatoid arthritis. Please discuss this further with your physician. 2. With a uric acid level of 12 and ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Understanding Pain at the Base of Fingers and Toes: Causes and Concerns
Pain at the base of the finger? Hello, I have some questions to ask you. About four to five years ago, I suddenly experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my heel. Since then, the pain tends to occur before my menstrual cycle. Recently, I've also noticed pain at the base o...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! 1. Sudden redness, swelling, and pain in the heel may indicate abnormalities such as gout, seronegative spondyloarthritis, or Achilles tendonitis. If there is accompanying pain in other toes or fingers, it is advisable to consult a rheumatologist for further differential d...[Read More] Understanding Pain at the Base of Fingers and Toes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Arthritis or gout or other conditions? I would like to ask the doctor, I have had symptoms similar to gout since high school. It started with the joints in my feet, then moved to my knees, and later to my index finger. Currently, the most common areas of attack are my fingers, kn...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
In addition to gout, multiple joint swelling and pain can also be caused by rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, and crystalline arthritis. Generally, a comprehensive assessment based on clinical symptoms, blood test results, physical examination, and radiological studies is neces...[Read More] Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Kidney problems Consulting a physician: My father is 80 years old and regularly takes medication for hypertension, diabetes, and gout. Recently, due to urine test results indicating an infection, a kidney ultrasound was performed, revealing deteriorating kidney function and a 0.6...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiry: Your father is 80 years old and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, and gout. The urinalysis shows signs of infection, which may be caused by prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia leading to urinary difficulties, and it is not necess...[Read More] Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Medications for Uric Acid, Gout, and Acid Relief
Medication Inquiry Hello: One day, I found some medication names written by a friend, including uric acid, gout, and antacid tablets. I am unsure what symptoms these medications are used for. Could you please help me understand? Thank you!
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can lead to joint pain known as gout. Therefore, if a medication is labeled for gout, it is intended for the treatment of gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia. Antacids, commonly referred to as stomach medications, are used to address excessive...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Uric Acid, Gout, and Acid Relief
Can Gout Crystals Be Surgically Removed? Understanding Treatment Options
Gout Can gout crystals be surgically removed?
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Gout is more prevalent in men, particularly in middle-aged individuals between the ages of 40 and 50, as well as in those who are obese. However, there is currently a trend towards a younger age of onset. Common sites for gout attacks include the big toe, finger joints, elbows, a...[Read More] Can Gout Crystals Be Surgically Removed? Understanding Treatment Options
Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Gout: What to Eat and Avoid
Diet for Gout Patients Dr. Tseng: Hello. I have a history of gout for nearly 20 years, and I have had three flare-ups this year, which has been quite distressing. I know that I should avoid foods like legumes, organ meats, and seafood, but I have unknowingly consumed some foods w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! The internet user has experienced attacks more than three times a year, which meets the criteria for the use of urate-lowering medications. Relying solely on dietary control is insufficient, as complications from hyperuricemia, such as joint tissue destruction and renal di...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Gout: What to Eat and Avoid
Managing Edema in Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Conditions
Edema My father is 78 years old and has a history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and gout, for which he has been on long-term medication. Currently, he is experiencing severe edema in both feet, palms, and forearms. Blood and urine tests indicate malnutrition, proteinu...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding the causes of edema, it is primarily due to conditions such as heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, or malnutrition. This occurs because of a decrease in albumin levels or excess fluid in the body. Your father suffers from hy...[Read More] Managing Edema in Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Conditions
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Gastritis and Sore Throat Relief
Gastritis / Sore throat - Questions about medication? Dear Dr. Chung, I would like to seek your advice regarding my father, who is currently 74 years old and has been a chronic disease patient for many years. He regularly visits a cardiologist every month to receive medication f...
Dr. Zhong Yuxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chang, The symptoms you mentioned are likely side effects of Topaal or Zantac. Although these medications are commonly used and generally well-tolerated, individual responses can vary due to differences in body constitution. You may want to ask your father's attend...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Gastritis and Sore Throat Relief
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vasculitis Hello, Doctor: Two years ago, I started experiencing redness, swelling, and warmth in my knees, sometimes in my feet, toes, and heels, and occasionally in my fingers. Most of the symptoms are located around the joints and typically resolve on their own within 2-3 days ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
I will start with the second question. Based on the symptoms described by the internet user, it is neither vasculitis nor gout; it is likely recurrent rheumatism, also known as migratory rheumatism or paroxysmal rheumatism. Clinically, it is referred to as "3" arthritis...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vasculitis Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with redness, swelling, and heat in my knees for the past two years. Sometimes it affects my feet, toes, and heels, and occasionally my fingers, mostly around the joints. Typically, the symptoms resolve on their own within...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Vasculitis refers to the inflammation of blood vessels, leading to damage and resulting in tissue hypoxia, with no definitive cause of onset. Diagnostic evaluations may include medical history, X-rays, blood tests, biopsies, and angiography. Blood tests typically include complete...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gout: Managing Occasional Pain and High Uric Acid Levels
Gout Occasional pain, uric acid level 7.7.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: For patients with high uric acid levels and symptoms of pain, redness, and swelling due to gout, it is essential to first treat with colchicine or analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. At the same time, dietary management should be implemented (it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Managing Occasional Pain and High Uric Acid Levels
How to Diagnose Gout: Understanding Symptoms and Testing Methods
excuse me? I have a question... My second toe has been swollen lately... I saw a dermatologist but there was no improvement at all... Could it be gout? How can gout be diagnosed to confirm if it is indeed gout? Thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: For patients with high uric acid levels and symptoms of pain, redness, and swelling due to gout, it is essential to first treat with colchicine or analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. At the same time, dietary control should be implemented (it is advisable to cons...[Read More] How to Diagnose Gout: Understanding Symptoms and Testing Methods
Do I Have Gout? Understanding Diagnosis and Medication Options
Do I really have gout? Should I take these medications? Dear Doctor, I have a condition of elevated uric acid levels (it reached 10.2 two years ago, 8.7 three months ago, and currently 8.8). My blood pressure fluctuates between normal and slightly high (not frequently monitored)...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Gout is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to acute arthritis, and the higher the uric acid levels, the greater the likelihood of developing gout. Symptoms typically manifest as swelling, redness, heat, and pain in a single joint. The first two ...[Read More] Do I Have Gout? Understanding Diagnosis and Medication Options
Long-Term Medication Side Effects for High Uric Acid Levels?
What are the side effects of long-term medication for hyperuricemia? Hello, I would like to ask a few questions. My father is seventy-two years old and has been experiencing severe uric acid issues over the past year or two, which has led to arthritis and mobility difficulties. H...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Ms. Li: Your father has elevated uric acid levels and hypertension, which can easily lead to urate nephropathy. Therefore, both uric acid and blood pressure need to be strictly controlled to prevent or delay the onset of this condition. Certain sedatives or sleeping medicat...[Read More] Long-Term Medication Side Effects for High Uric Acid Levels?
Understanding Persistent Sleepiness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Somnolence Hello Dr. Tseng: I would like to ask about my condition. From May 11 to May 13, I experienced prolonged drowsiness and fatigue. The week prior, I had persistent swelling in my legs and elevated uric acid levels, for which I have been taking medication to manage. I have...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. There are many causes for drowsiness and lethargy, which can be psychological or physiological. Physiological causes include medications, infections, organ dysfunction (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, endocrine), electrolyte imbalances, and abnormalities in blood glucose levels,...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Sleepiness: Possible Causes and Concerns