Gout — diagnosis and treatment

1/6 What is it?

In gout, uric acid stays high in the blood over a long period and forms crystals in the joint.

Those crystals cause intense inflammation in the joint, producing a sudden attack of very severe pain.

An attack usually begins at night or towards morning. The joint becomes red, swollen and too painful to touch.

Left uncontrolled over years, lumps can form under the skin — tophi — and the joint can be damaged.

2/6 Who is it for?

People who have had a sudden, very severe attack of pain in the big toe or another joint.

People whose blood test shows a raised uric acid and who do not know what to do about it.

People with recurring attacks who need long-term treatment.

People with a history of kidney stones, extra weight, diabetes or high blood pressure.

It is more common in men. In women it usually appears after the menopause.

3/6 When to seek care

• Your big toe suddenly became severely painful at night, red and swollen
• The pain is so intense you cannot bear even the weight of a blanket
• You have had attacks like this before and they keep returning
• Your blood test shows a raised uric acid
• Firm lumps have formed on your elbow, ear or fingers

If joint swelling comes with fever and shivering, do not delay. Joint infection can look like gout and needs urgent assessment.

4/6 Why it matters

Once the attack passes, many people stop treatment. Yet the underlying problem — high uric acid in the blood — is still there.

Uncontrolled gout can lead to permanent joint damage and to the formation of tophi.

High uric acid also creates risk for kidney stones and kidney function.

Treating an attack and treating the disease long-term are two different things. Understanding that difference is decisive for success.

5/6 How it is done

1. Examination. The nature of the attack, which joint it affects and how often it recurs are established.
2. Blood tests. Uric acid, kidney function and inflammatory markers are checked. Uric acid can be normal during an attack.
3. Distinguishing. Where needed, fluid is drawn from the joint and examined for crystals. That separates gout from pseudogout and from infection.
4. Treating the attack. Treatment aimed at settling the inflammation and the pain is prescribed.
5. Long-term treatment. If attacks recur, uric-acid-lowering medicines are started and monitored with blood tests.

When long-term treatment begins, the risk of an attack can rise temporarily. Protective treatment is added for that reason.

Diet alone is not enough, but it has a supporting role.

6/6 Where it is done

Examination and follow-up take place in Baku, at StarLab Clinic.

Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.

Contact: +994 55 550 55 69.

No. A raised uric acid on its own is not grounds for a diagnosis of gout. Many people have a high level and never have an attack.

Yes. During an acute attack the level can be normal or even low. That is why a blood test alone is not enough for the diagnosis.

Red meat, meat stock, some kinds of seafood, alcohol — beer in particular — and drinks sweetened with fructose can raise the risk of an attack. Specific advice is given individually.

Uric-acid-lowering treatment is usually long-term. Stopping as soon as the level normalises can bring the attacks back. The decision is made together with your doctor.