Stuff like salami, hot dogs, pepperoni, bologna, ham, bacon and SPAM all normally contain sodium nitrate as one of the ingredients. Fresh meats generally do not contain any added chemicals, so the question is, Why is sodium nitrate added to all of these processed meats?.
Drug treatment is recommended on a long-term basis for: 1  frequent attacks of gout and signs of tophi under the skin (tophi are small white lumps that can form under the skin). 2  evidence of joint damage â either in terms of associated symptoms or damage detected by X-ray. 3  a history of kidney stones.
Exams and tests that may help with diagnosis and treatment of gout include: 1  A joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis) to see whether uric acid crystals are present. 2  This is the only certain way to diagnose gout. 3  A medical history and physical exam. 4  A test to measure levels of uric acid in blood.