Fasting or severe dieting can increase uric acid levels. Limiting alcohol use and avoiding binge drinking will also reduce the likelihood of acute attacks. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water dilutes uric acid and helps the kidneys rid the body of uric acid. Thiazide diuretics tend to increase uric acid levels. Occupational exposure to lead also increases the risk of having problems with gout.
Drug therapy is a primary component to management of gout.
In acute gout the inflammation will subside within 3-5 days. This combination may be given for 4-7 days. Colchicine is used less often because of it's toxic tendencies. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. With chronic gout, treatment is aimed at promoting uric acid excretion or to reduce the production of uric acid.