Signs of medieval disease that has seen cases surge across the UK – how to make sure you're safe | The Sun
THESE are the signs of a medieval disease that has seen cases surge across the UK – this is how to make sure you're safe.
Known for "cursing the wealthy" during the Victorian times because of their diets of rich and unhealthy foods, gout was rife across the UK.
Items that make the disease worse are alcohol, fish, red meat and seafood – which were all classed as a luxury during that time.
But since Covid-19, the NHS has seen an influx in patients admitted to hospital with gout.
An estimated 250,000 people were treated for the condition between 2021 and 2022.
With latest figures suggesting the amount of Brits suffering is on the rise, it's believed nearly 2 per cent of the entire population currently has gout.
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Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe joint pain.
Painkillers can be prescribed but the best way to get rid and stop it coming back, is by changing your lifestyle.
The health service has warned common symptoms to look out for include a sudden pain in your big toe.
The pain can also be in your ankles, hands, elbows, wrists or knees.
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Hot and swollen skin covering a joint can also be a sign.
If you get gout, it isn't fatal but can have life-changing impacts.
It is best not to leave it untreated and seek medical advice as soon as you think you could have the disease.
The NHS 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 is gout?
According to the NHS, gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain.
Painkillers can help the pain but a healthier lifestyle can prevent it reoccurring.
The main symptoms of gout are:
- 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
- Hot, swollen, red skin over the affected joint – redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin
Causes of a gout can include:
- Older age
- Being male
- Obesity
- Diet high in purines
- Alcohol
- Sweetened beverages
- Medications including diuretics, low dose aspirin, some antibiotics prescribed for tuberculosis, and cyclosporine
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