痛風是一種可引起突然劇烈關節疼痛的關節炎，常見於大腳趾，也可影響其他關節。但關節紅腫痛不一定是痛風，感染或其他問題亦需考慮。Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden severe joint pain, often in the big toe but also in other joints. A hot swollen joint is not always gout; infection and other causes may need consideration.
首次發作或與以往不同，應評估Assess a first episode or a change in the usual pattern
可向醫護說明發作關節、開始時間、是否曾有類似情況及正在使用的藥物。若紅腫痛同時伴發熱、寒顫或明顯全身不適，應盡快求醫；不要只按過往經驗自行加減藥。Describe the affected joint, onset, previous episodes and current medicines. Seek urgent help when joint pain and swelling occur with fever, shivering or marked illness. Do not change medicines only on the basis of a previous episode.