George Khuri, MD
Internal Medicine
Lakewood Hospital


Q: My husband wakes up with an intense pain in his foot several times a year. His doctor diagnosed him with gout. What is gout and are there preventive measures?

A: Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects three times as many men as women. Gout often occurs without warning and develops mostly in one joint, most commonly in the big toe. The area becomes hot, red, swollen and extremely sensitive to touch. 

This condition is caused by a buildup of excess uric acid in the body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines, which are found in body tissue as well as many foods, such as liver, seafood, red meat, dried beans and peas, and anchovies.

It is difficult to say what causes an attack, but it is recommended to have uric acid levels checked, which can predict the chances of having another attack. The symptoms that accompany gout usually disappear within three to 14 days. Sometimes, gout may be an isolated incident; however, over time, gout attacks may become more severe, last longer and occur more often, affecting multiple joints.

Gout is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which should be taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack. To avoid future gout attacks your husband should avoid or limit red meat, seafood and alcohol, specifically beer, and eat a healthy, balanced diet consisting of potassium and high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables. Lastly, he needs to take his prescription medications in order to decrease the uric acid levels.

Dr. Khuri is board-certified in Internal Medicine. His special medical interests include preventive medicine and geriatrics.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Khuri or any other physician in the Lakewood Hospital, please call our toll-free physician referral service at 866-733-6363.