Embarrassing Illnesses

Gout is a condition that causes pain, inflammation and swelling in one or more of the joints. It usually affects the big toe, but can develop in any joint in the body.

Gout often occurs in attacks that usually last for three to 10 days, after which the joint should feel normal and pain-free again. The attacks are almost impossible to predict and, if not treated, can cause future attacks to be more frequent and last for longer.

Gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid (urate) in the bloodstream. Urate is a normally harmless waste product, produced by the body when it breaks down substances known as purines. Purines are found naturally in the body, in some foods and in certain alcohols, including beer, stout and port.

Gout affects around one in 200 adults, most commonly men between 30 and 60 years of age.

Gout rarely affects women because they have a lower level of urate in their bloodstream. When women do develop it, it's usually after the start of the menopause. In rare cases, young people and children can be affected.

Although gout is common, there are a number of effective treatments and medicines that can help ease pain, reduce inflammation and prevent future attacks.