Best Glomerulonephritis Doctors in Mumbai

Gout, an arthritic disease, is a condition marked by a painful form of inflammation in joints, primarily caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body. This buildup leads to the formation of needle-shaped crystals in and around the joints, leading to severe pain and discomfort. Main causes of gout include sustained high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), excessive production or insufficient removal of urate from the body, consumption of purine-rich food and drinks, and certain medications like aspirin, diuretics, and niacin.

Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow is well equipped to manage this condition. Our team of best doctors for gout provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored for each patient. In the next sections, we will discuss the stages, symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment options for gout.

Types/Stages of Gout

Gout progresses through various stages:

• Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: Characterised by high uric acid levels in the blood without any outward symptoms.

• Acute Gout: This stage witnesses sudden and intense joint pain coupled with swelling, redness and warmth often centred around the big toe joint.

• Interval/Intercritical Gout: The periods between acute attacks when there are no symptoms.

• Chronic Tophaceous Gout: This advanced stage results in frequent attacks with hard lumps (tophi) forming under the skin resulting in joint damage.

Symptoms of Gout

Indicative signs of gout vary but typically include:

• Sudden and severe pain in the affected joint, often the big toe.

• Joint swelling accompanied by redness and warmth.

• Decreased mobility due to the discomfort in the joints.

• The eventual formation of tophi (hard lumps) around the joints.

Tests to Diagnose Gout

At Apollo Hospitals, following diagnostic tests are used by gout treatment specialists to confirm gout:

• Physical Examination and Medical History: To assess the patient's overall health status and history of symptoms.

• Uric Acid Blood Test: To measure levels of uric acid in the blood.

• Joint Aspiration: A procedure to extract fluid from the inflamed joint to check for uric acid crystals.

• X-Rays: To inspect any potential joint damage.

• Dual Energy CT Scan or Ultrasound: Advanced imaging techniques to detect presence of crystals.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gout at Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow

The best doctors for gout treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow offer a range of treatment options for gout:

• Medications: NSAIDs, colchicine or corticosteroids are prescribed to relieve acute symptoms.

• Uric Acid-lowering Drugs: Medications like allopurinol or probenecid are used to prevent future attacks by reducing uric acid levels.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary restrictions on purine-rich foods and alcohol coupled with regular exercise can help manage gout effectively.

• Surgery: In rare, severe cases resistant to other treatments, surgical interventions may be considered.