Rates of Gout on the Increase

The prevalence of gout - traditionally associated with too much port and an unhealthy lifestyle - is soaring in the UK, according to a study.

One in 40 people in the UK is affected, according to analysis of 15 years of results, in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases journal.

The disease, which particularly affects the overweight, can be countered by lifestyle changes.

But researchers say not enough people are getting access to medication.

Gout is a type of arthritis, caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood.

Crystals of sodium urate produced by the body can form inside joints and can cause sudden and severe pain, together with swelling and redness.

Even though it was traditionally linked to "good living" among the wealthy, it can affect anyone.

However, it is more common in people who are overweight or obese and in those who have high blood pressure or diabetes.

Drinking too much beer or spirits can also increase the risk, but the condition can be managed through changes in lifestyle, like losing weight.

There is also medication available which lowers levels of uric acid.

Between 1997 and 2012, the prevalence of gout rose by 64%, increasing by around 4% every year.

Rates were around four times higher in men than women across the entire period, and the highest rates were in Wales and north-east England.

There are some risk factors for gout which cannot be changed.

I have never known anyone who has had gout and I always thought of it as an 'old' disease that isn't around really anymore.

The usual culprits are on the list of contributory factors: drinking, being overweight, poor diet, being old. I notice that it is worse in the NE and Wales - both areas of high unemployment.

Should the cost of leisure activities be subsidised for those with health problems making exercise more affordable? Should all healthy foods be subsidised making it as affordable as fast food?

There has to be a way of reducing all these things that are caused by poor incomes.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25742467

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

My husband had a bout of this back in the 80s we had a glut of tomatoes he was determined to eat and ended up with gout ! Luckily with medication and no more tomatoes he has been fine.

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

I didn't know tomatoes could cause it! I know they've been linked to Crohn's - you live and learn

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

I think it's the citric acid, wonder if the increase in fruit juices could be having an effect ?

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

Does that mean no tomatoes ever again, Julie, or will he in time be able to enjoy them in small doses ?

I never knew that tomatoes could could do that - I love them and eat them straight from the plants!

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

I may have this wrong but it's rattling around inside my head so I shall air it here and see if anyone knows more about it: I'm sure I once heard that the Chinese do not eat the pips/seeds in tomatoes because of something in them. I was also told, by a consultant gastroenterologist (sp?), to remove the seeds of tomatoes before I eat them. So, maybe it's something in the seeds?

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

Interesting that they don't happen to mention that gout can be a side effect of a number of drugs, including a very commonly used drug for blood pressure. I bet that is responsible for a lot of the new gout cases.

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

Well - they are part of the Deadly Nightshade family - so who knows. Will have to do some research now!

See - forums are good - they make you think!

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

I recall reading somewhere they could be used in place of aspirin, so something in them is pretty powerful.

Re: Rates of Gout on the Increase

I've recently been put on a blood pressure drug can you give the name of it? I've got enough problems without getting gout as well