Risk of gout after Tet (Lunar New Year)

Drinking alcohol, eating lots of sweets and candies, and consuming fried foods can trigger or worsen gout after the Lunar New Year.

On February 15th, Dr. Dinh Pham Thi Thuy Van, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal Disorders, stated that gout increases after the Lunar New Year, with many new cases occurring alongside relapses. The main reason is the negative change in eating habits, leading to a sudden increase in uric acid levels in the blood.

During Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), many people tend to eat more freely, consuming processed and fried foods, and drinking more alcohol... These are all risk factors that can trigger gout. Patients also worsen their symptoms by not taking their medication on time.

Mr. An, 45 years old, drinks beer and alcohol with family and friends almost every day. About two days ago, his right big toe and left ankle suddenly became severely swollen and painful, making it difficult to walk. He went for a check-up, and doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City diagnosed him with gout.

Another case is Ms. Cuc, 52 years old, who came to the hospital on February 14th due to swelling, redness, and pain in her wrist. The patient stated that she had a history of gout, had irregular eating habits during Tet (Lunar New Year), and did not take her medication as prescribed by her doctor.

Doctor Van checks the patient's health condition. (Illustrative image: Provided by the hospital)

Dr. Van stated that nutrition is a crucial part of managing gout. Patients need to pay attention to their diet, especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). Lavish meals containing excessive protein, along with continuous alcohol consumption, can cause a sudden increase in uric acid levels in the blood. This can trigger acute gout attacks, even when patients are still taking medication.

Whether on a normal day or during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), patients should limit their intake of high-protein red meats, seafood, mushrooms, beans, sprouts, etc. They should absolutely avoid eating animal organs, blood pudding, fertilized chicken eggs, and fertilized duck eggs. Alcohol and sugary drinks such as syrups and carbonated soft drinks should be minimized.

Relaxing your diet and not restricting your food intake too much during the Lunar New Year holidays can worsen gout. (Illustration: Freepik)

According to Doctor Van, when gout attacks suddenly, patients can temporarily alleviate the pain by doing the following.

Drink enough water : Gout is caused by excess uric acid that is not eliminated from the body. Patients need to drink plenty of water every day. When an acute gout attack occurs, drinking water helps patients feel more comfortable; filtered water or juices from fruits such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, and pineapples are preferred. To prevent gout attacks, patients should drink about 2.5 liters of water each day.

Applying ice helps reduce tissue damage, constricts blood vessels, and decreases blood flow, thereby relieving pain. Patients place a few small ice cubes in a soft cloth and apply it to the painful area for about 20-30 minutes.

Protect swollen joints by keeping them cool and well-ventilated. When lying in bed, elevate the affected joint by placing a pillow under it. This improves blood circulation and provides comfort to the patient.

Take your prescribed medication , and you may also use additional over-the-counter pain relievers. If home care measures do not alleviate the pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Phi Hong

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