Salicylic Acid for Gout

Gout, also known as podagra, is an affliction that affects millions of men and women every year. There are several known contributing factors that can trigger an episode of gout, many of which can be controlled by medicine or with a change in diet. The introduction of salicylic acid into the body is known to be one of those contributing factors.

What Is Gout?

• Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints, with painful flareups often occurring suddenly. The condition is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body which then crystallizes around the joints, resulting in severe pain, redness and tenderness of the area. Uric acid is produced as a by-product when the body breaks down purine, a compound that is found in many foods. Uric acid causes gout only when it's not properly regulated by the kidneys and an excess builds up in the bloodstream.

Salicylic Acid

• Salicylic acid is a compound used in many products. It is widely used in skin care products designed to treat acne, as it works to open skin pores and kill bacteria. But it has another significant use as the primary ingredient in aspirin. Salicylic acid has the ability to reduce fever and to lessen bodily aches and pains. Aspirin is also commonly recommended for heart attack patients on a daily basis or simply for general heart-health purposes. Salicylic acid is therefore introduced into the bodies of many people on a regular basis.

Effect On Body

• The introduction of salicylic acid into the body can increase the likelihood of gout in some people. Low levels of over-the-counter-strength aspirin taken on a regular basis have been shown to increase the level of uric acid in the blood. Conversely, high levels of aspirin intake, such as the amounts prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, have been shown to actually decrease the uric acid level in the blood.

Solution

• If salicylic acid is suspected as a possible cause or aggravating factor for a case of gout, the easiest remedy is to avoid taking aspirin. If the aspirin is being taken simply for its pain-relieving or fever-reducing properties, eliminate the use of aspirin altogether and substitute another pain reliever with similar properties. If aspirin is being used as a follow-up treatment for a heart attack or stroke patient, a physician should be consulted before changing the amount or strength of aspirin being taken. The general rule for gout sufferers is to avoid aspirin.

Other Risk Factors

• Salicylic acid is just one of the many risk factors of gout. Medical factors include untreated high blood pressure, diabetes and narrowing of the arteries. Alcohol use, a family history of gout, prior injury to a joint and crash diets have been identified as triggers for gout flare-ups. Eating high-purine content foods such as beef, pork, anchovies, sardines, spinach and mushrooms may also contribute to the likelihood of a gout episode.