Evaluative Role of Family Physician in Diagnosis and Management of Gout in Primary Health Care Centers: A Simple Literature Review

Background: Gout is a painful condition that is common in developing countries such as Saudi Arabia. When a patient is referred to a doctor with symptoms suggestive of gouty arthritis, a metabolic screening is ultimately requested. Diseases enclosing obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease should be investigated as they are indirectly associated with gout. The latest practice-updated general physicians should determine the cause and effect of this disease and manage it in primary health care settings. Objective: In this literature review, we will discuss gout as a disease within a primary healthcare setting with a diagnosis and management approach. Method: PubMed database was used for articles selection, and the following keywords were used in the MeSH: Gout, Evaluation, Management, Treatment, and Primary Healthcare. This review includes epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, and management of gout. Conclusion: Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension should be accounted for in diagnostic workup and help in the long-term management of gout patients. Urate lowering agents are recommended in patients suffering from attacks. Colchicine may help in preventing the resurgence of painful episodes. Patients with renal disease should have their allopurinol doses adjusted appropriately. Adherence to medication and motivation of both clinicians and patients are key factors in the successful management and control of acute gout attacks and a better lifestyle for patients suffering from this illness. Physicians should always approach and evaluate the patients’ condition, work with them, and guide them to suitable drugs and lifestyle modifications to ensure their health improvement.