Tell tale signs of Victorian disease making surprise comeback across the UK

17 September 2023 , 08:28

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The condition affects around 1% of the population (Image: Getty Images)

A disease which was once rife in Victorian times and renowned for “cursing the wealthy” is making a comeback in today’s Britain, with more than one million people suffering with the condition.

Gout is a type of caused by a chemical called uric acid forming small crystals, known as tophi, in and around the joints. If these tophi make their way into the joints they can trigger an inflammation which causes irritation, swelling, extreme pain and tenderness in the affected area.

It was extremely common in Victorian times, when wealthy people would consume a diet favouring rich and unhealthy foods. The diets were high in alcohol, red meat, organ foods, and seafood, all of which were considered luxury.

However, there has been a sudden resurgence of the illness during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, specialists estimate approximately 250,000 people were admitted to hospital with the condition and needed to be treated between 2021 and 2022.

More recently, new figures have suggested between 1% to 2% of the British population currently suffers from gout or exhibits some symptom of it.

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Symptoms people should look out for include sudden severe pain in a joint – usually your big toe, but it can be in other joints in your feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows or knees.

As well as hot, swollen, red skin over the affected joint – redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin. Tophi can develop anywhere in our bodies but is most commonly found in people's toes, heels, knees, fingers, ears, forearms or in the elbow.

While gout itself is not fatal, it can lead to life-changing complications if not treated. Those with gout may also be at a higher risk of premature death, according to a study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. The NHS's most recent advice suggests you should see a GP you have symptoms of gout for the first time, or if you have gout and your usual treatments are not helping.

Advice online said: "An attack of gout usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks if left untreated. If you do not get treatment, future attacks may last even longer. Leaving gout untreated may cause lasting damage to joints."

What causes gout flare-ups?

According to Healthline, some factors that contribute to gout are gender and age, while others are lifestyle based.

Causes of a gout flare up include:

• Older age

• Being male at birth

• Obesity

• Diet high in purines, which are broken down into uric acid in your body

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• Alcohol use

• Sweetened beverages, sodas and high fructose corn syrup

• Medications including diuretics, low dose aspirin, some antibiotics prescribed for tuberculosis, and cyclosporine

How can I prevent gout?

Attacks of gout are usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) such as ibuprofen.

If the pain continues, you may be prescribed steroids as tablets or an injection.

However, there are lifestyle changes that can prevent gout returning, these include:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet

• Get to a healthy weight, but avoid crash diets

• Reduce alcohol consumption

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Exercise regularly, but avoid putting pressure on joints

• Stop smoking

• Consult your GP about vitamin C supplements

If you experience symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Antony Clements-Thrower