Gout Treatment

When Should I Consult a Doctor for Gout?

Gout often requires professional medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. You should seek a doctor’s advice if you experience swelling and pain in one or more joints. Here are some signs indicating the need for a doctor’s visit:

• Severe Joint Pain: Sudden, intense pain, especially in the big toe.
• Recurring Flare-Ups: If gout attacks happen repeatedly.
• Increasing Frequency: If gout episodes become more frequent or last longer.
• Daily Challenges: If gout interferes with your daily activities.
• Signs of Infection: If there’s fever or signs of infection near the affected joint.

Important: Gout can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, or telehealth consultations. For severe symptoms, call 000 or visit the nearest hospital.

Causes of Gout

Gout can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Elevated Uric Acid Levels: High levels of uric acid in the blood.
• Dietary Choices: Consuming foods that increase uric acid, such as red meat or seafood.
• Obesity: Being overweight can contribute to gout risk.
• Genetics: A family history of gout.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.
• Medications: Certain drugs that affect uric acid levels.

Gout Symptoms and Risk Factors

Acute gout often presents with sudden joint inflammation, pain, restricted movement, warmth, redness, and swelling. Even after an attack subsides, the joint may remain tender for days or weeks. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of gout include:

• High-Purine Diet: Eating red meat, certain seafood, or excessive sugar.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol, especially beer.
• Crash Diets: Rapid weight loss diets that affect uric acid levels.
• Obesity: Excess body weight.
• Health Conditions: Kidney disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Can Gout Be Cured?

While there’s no cure for gout, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Medications and lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups and help prevent long-term complications.

What Should I Avoid Eating If I Have Gout?

Steer clear of high-purine foods like red meats, organ meats (e.g., liver, kidneys), certain seafood (e.g., shellfish, anchovies), sugary beverages, and alcohol (particularly beer). Instead, focus on a low-purine diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Can an Online Doctor Help with Gout If the GP Near Me Is Unavailable?

Yes, an online doctor can assist with diagnosing gout, providing medical advice, and issuing prescriptions. Chelem Health’s online doctors are available 24/7, ensuring you can connect with a doctor within 15 minutes whenever you need support.

How Does Online Prescription Work for Gout?

During a telehealth consultation, a doctor will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine the best treatment for gout. If diagnosed, they can prescribe medications via instant scripts or e-prescriptions, sent to you through SMS (eScript). You can then pick up the medication at a pharmacy or have it delivered through an online pharmacy service.

Can Online Referrals Be Provided for Gout?

While a physical joint examination isn’t possible online, a doctor can assess your symptoms and history to suspect gout. If further evaluation is needed, they can provide referrals for in-person tests, such as:

• Blood tests to check uric acid levels.
• X-rays to assess joint damage.
• Specialist consultations for advanced care.

How Does Telehealth with an Online Doctor Work?

Gout flare-ups often occur at inconvenient times, like at night. To book a telehealth appointment, choose your appointment type, enter your details, and pay securely. You’ll be connected to an online doctor within 15 minutes. After the consultation, receive prescriptions via SMS and referrals or medical certificates by email, if approved. Benefits of telehealth include:

• Convenience: Consult from home without traveling with painful joints.
• Comprehensive Services: Access telehealth appointments, medical certificates, instant scripts, referrals, and pharmacy delivery.
• Effortless: No need to wait for appointments or spend hours at a clinic.

How Can We Help?

We offer a quick and easy way to connect with a doctor from your home or on the go using any smart device. Through our secure telehealth platform, you can have a video consultation with a registered doctor in 15 minutes or less. We’re available 24/7, including holidays, because health issues can arise at any time. Our doctors provide thorough assessments, covering:

• Your medical history, lifestyle, and existing conditions.
• Treatment options tailored to your needs.
• Personalized advice for managing gout.
• Referrals or prescriptions as needed, at the doctor’s discretion.

Talk to a Doctor Today

Telehealth makes it easy to reach an AHPRA-registered doctor in minutes. Chelem Health offers 24/7 access to qualified professionals in Australia within 15 minutes for:

• Telehealth Consultations: From $37 for an 8-minute session.
• E-Scripts: $17.90 for a single prescription.
• Medical Certificates: $12.90 for a single-day certificate.
• Referrals: From $37 for an 8-minute consultation.