Management of acute gout

Abstract

The appropriate management of acute gout begins with confirming the diagnosis. When the diagnosis is uncertain consider other possible causes of joint inflammation, particularly sepsis. Anti-inflammatory therapy promptly relieves the pain of acute gout. The rapidity with which anti-inflammatory medication is commenced following the start of an attack is of greater importance than the specific drug chosen or the route of administration. Changes to therapy that aggravate the acute attack, such as altering hypouricaemic medication, should be avoided.