Suffering in Silence: New Statistics Prove That Gout is no Laughing Matter
LONDON, October 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Quarter of gout patients say doctors do not consider gout to be an important health problem
Today, Arthritis Care launched a new report which showed that the health service is failing to address the seriousness of gout. Gout Nation 2014 reveals that 83% of people with gout struggle with daily activities when their disease is at its worst, like walking and even putting on their shoes. The report also highlights that the pain associated with the condition can be so excruciating that 9% have reported often taking time off work and 4% under the age of 65 give up work altogether. One-third of people also reported feeling depressed during an attack of gout.
Despite the effect gout is having on people across the UK, Gout Nation 2014 shows that almost a quarter of sufferers believe that their healthcare professional does not consider gout to be an important health problem and half of sufferers who have discussed their gout with their family or friends have had unhelpful reactions from them, including that they find their gout condition humorous.
With one in 40 people now suffering from gout, the report urges the public to change their perceptions of gout, and for those suffering in silence, to seek the help they need. At present, 10% of gout sufferers are diagnosing their condition online and 21% feel that they do not receive enough information from their GP about the long-term drug therapy treatments available to them.
"It is important to understand that gout can affect anyone, regardless of their age, sex or risk factors and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as permanent joint damage, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.", said Michael Doherty, Professor of Rheumatology at University of Nottingham. "Gout is attributed to an interaction between a number of factors including genetics, the environment and personal circumstances, and it is important that people are aware of the factors which increase the risk of developing the condition. These include having a close family member with gout, certain medications, a diet rich in protein or purines, drinking excessive beer and spirits and being overweight."
"The number of people living with gout and being diagnosed every year is continuing to increase, yet we as a nation are still not taking this condition seriously." Said Judi Rhys, Chief Executive of Arthritis Care. We need new quality standards on the treatment of gout and we are calling on The National Institute for Clinical Excellence to take this forward."
Gout Nation 2014 included results from a survey amongst 1,259 people with gout conducted by YouGov. Access the full report via: http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/gout-nation-2014/
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Notes to editors:
About Arthritis Care
Arthritis Care is the UK's largest charity working with, and for, all people who have arthritis.
We aim to help those affected by arthritic conditions make positive choices through our information, website, self-management training, and professional helpline. We provide a free helpline offering confidential support on 0808 800 4050 (10am-4pm weekdays) or via email: Helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk / http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk
About Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis where swelling and severe pain develops in joints affecting a person's mobility. The condition develops when urate crystals form in and around the body's joints, causing episodes of inflammation and pain, and in some cases irreversible joint damage and disability.
About Gout Nation 2014
Arthritis Care commissioned YouGov to conduct a survey to help further understand the impact of gout on people in the UK. Between 21st and 30th May 1,259 people with gout were surveyed online and asked questions about their experiences with gout.
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