What is Gout? To answer "what is gout?" you should know it is a relatively frequently occurring type of arthritis. The common condition is the result of having elevated levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This excess of uric acid leads to uric acid crystal formation in the joints, notoriously the one on the base of the big toe. These crystals cause a number of alarming and uncomfortable symptoms. [youmaylike] Signs and Symptoms Gout can manifest in several different ways depending on the patient. In general, gout can be characterized as episodes of joint pain, swelling and redness. The pain itself can occur out of nowhere, and either turn into a general discomfort or disappear. Episodes of gout can occur abruptly and it is not uncommon for them to start in the middle of the night. The big toe is one of the most common appendages that is affected, although it can also affect the forefoot, knees, ankles, knees, elbows and bones in your hand or wrist. Types of Gout Although these all refer to the same illness, there are “types” of gout, which indicate different stages of the illness. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: This is the earliest stage of the disease. Some of the crystals may be causing some tissue damage, but symptoms may be mild to non-existent. Acute: This refers to a more extreme event. In acute gout, patients experience acute episodes of intense pain in a “flare” that lasts a couple of days. Different events can trigger the onset of symptoms, including stress or alcohol. They may also appear seemingly out of nowhere. Intercritical: When flares die down but you still have gout, your body is still depositing excess urate crystals into your joint tissue. These periods are called intercritical gout, where you may not really feel symptoms but the damage is still happening. Chronic tophaceous: This is the most extreme form of the disease. It is debilitating and can get to the point where permanent and extreme damage has been done to the joints and kidneys. Huge lumps and pain may be chronically present at this point. There is also a condition that is referred to as pseudogout. This condition is not a form of gout, but it is very similar in terms of the symptoms someone might experience. These similar symptoms are not caused by urate crystals, but rather calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Generally, symptom expression is less severe in comparison to traditional gout. Treatment Options There are several different medications that may be prescribed to treat gout. Different medications may be used depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing or expressing a desire to reduce. These medications include some which may manage uric acid levels (aloprim, zyloprim, ulroic or lesinurad), inflammation (colcrys) or painkillers. Talk to your doctor to find a solution which is best for you. Natural Remedies for Gout One of the best natural remedies for gout is making lifestyle changes. By making these tiny lifestyle changes, you will be able to minimize the flares of gout or even prevent it entirely. If you know that you have had a flare before or are at risk for developing gout, consider taking the following steps: Drink lots of water: Drinking the recommended amount of water a day can help keep your body in tip-top shape. Achieve a healthy body weight: Obesity puts a lot of pressure on your body. If you are overweight, try to achieve and maintain healthy body weight. Stay sober: Alcohol can be an especially big trigger for gout. Consider abstaining from alcohol use in order to keep your gout under control. Change your diet: To limit the about of uric acid coming into your body, make changes to your what you eat. There are some foods that will encourage very high levels of uric acid in your body, including: anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, lobster, shrimp, mussels, scallops, mushrooms, organs (especially liver and kidneys), fast food, soda and alcohol. Consider having healthier foods that encourage an overall healthy diet. Some of the best foods for managing gout include: Yogurt and skim milk. Nuts and grains. Fresh fruits and veggies. Potatoes. Most importantly, be sure to practice moderation. When to See a Doctor As soon as you notice that your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should make an appointment with a medical professional. This is a good practice in general. Even if you do not have gout, alarming symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Top 3 Pink Eye Natural Remedies
There are many notorious diseases that spread easily and quickly. While they are not all life-threatening, many of these illnesses cause pain or discomfort people want to avoid. Luckily, common diseases, like pink eye, are very treatable and don’t pose much risk. There are many effective remedies you can even try right in your own home.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, refers to the infection or swelling of the tissue that frames your eyelids. This area of the eye, the conjunctiva, is full of tiny blood vessels that are barely noticeable most of the time. However, when inflammation occurs, it exaggerates the vessels and makes the eyes have a reddish or pink appearance.
Redness is a trademark symptom of pink eye, but it is not the only sign of the disease. In addition to discoloration in the whites of one’s eyes, individuals may also experience other symptoms in their eyes, including:
- Itchiness
- Grittiness
- Tearing
- Discharge
Some of these symptoms may result in a crust forming on the eye that can make it challenging to open them.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Many different events can cause pink eye. To better understand this, consider that “pink eye” is a broad term that classifies several different phenomena. For the most part, pink eye is the result of bacterial or viral infections. It can also be caused by allergens, blocked tear ducts, or deformities (especially in newborns and infants).
It’s important to note that depending on the cause of pink eye, the disease may be highly contagious. While pink eye from things such as allergens or incomplete tear ducts are not contagious, individuals may spread infections through contact.
A physician’s evaluation is needed to determine the exact cause of pink eye. If there is concern about a contagious state of the disease, consider disinfecting contaminated articles to reduce the spread.
Reducing the Spread of Pink Eye
Reducing the spread of pink eye is crucial to keep your household clean. Practicing regular personal hygiene goes a long way. Even if you are not in direct contact with someone suffering from pink eye, you should wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
You should also regularly wash your clothes, towels, and pillowcases. Avoid sharing cosmetics, washcloths, and any other personal hygiene products. If you contracted pink eye, immediately wash any items you’ve been in contact with. Dispose of any products used directly on your eye (e.g., mascara or eyeliner) and refrain from using contacts until the infection cleared. You can still wear glasses but disinfect them.
Are There Natural Remedies for Pink Eye?
Although there are pharmaceutical interventions to address severe cases of pink eye, there are many natural remedies one may try. In many cases, you just need to wait for pink eye to “run its course.” Treatments involve reducing symptoms for comfort. Top home remedies doctors often recommend include:
- Artificial tears — these can be purchased over the counter and help alleviate the irritation
- Regular rinsing — washing out eyes and keeping them clean reduces build-up that prohibits you from opening your eyes
- Warm compresses — apply several times a day to help break up the build-up and reduce swelling
Most cases do not require further treatment; however, if symptoms persist, you may need antibiotic drops available only through prescription.
When Should I Visit a Doctor?
It is a wise idea to visit a doctor whenever you or your loved one experience any troubling symptoms. Trained medical care physicians are educated to help keep their patients safe and direct you towards the most effective treatment options available.
Pink eye shares many symptoms with other, more severe diseases, so it is important that you have a doctor examine you to make sure that your distress is not a sign of another illness. It’s especially important to keep this in mind if your symptoms are accompanied by light sensitivity, vision disturbances, pain, or feeling like something is lodged in your eye.
It’s highly recommended that you should make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms do not disappear on their own after 12 hours.
Remember that just because something is natural or homeopathic does not mean the treatment is for everyone. Even some holistic interventions have side effects or interactions you should discuss with your doctor. Your doctor can recommend some natural treatments that are safe and effective for you or your loved one.