Victorian disease gout making a comeback with local area one of worst affected in the UK

Conor Knell

12 June 2024 at 9:44 am·1-min read

A Victorian disease is making a comeback, with South Warwickshire experiencing the third highest increase in cases within the past five years. Cases of gout increased by 120% from 2019, with 886 cases rising to 1,960 in 2023, according to a Freedom of Information request from NowPatient.

The only areas that beat South Warwickshire were Dorset, which saw a 219% increase in cases over the same time period from 388 to 1,239. However, it was Liverpool which topped the rankings, experiencing a huge 960% increase from 553 to more than 5800.

In response, the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust has been granted funding for a dedicated diagnostic facility in order to improve patient treatment times.

The disease is a type of inflammatory arthritis which causes pain and swelling in joints. It affects around one in every 100 people. Around the world, it is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis.

The information gathered by NowPatient covered what’s described as “Victorian diseases”, though neither Coventry nor Warwickshire had any significant showing for other illnesses like rickets, tuberculosis, malnutrition, or malaria.

Traditionally known as ‘the King’s disease’ due to its association with large quantities of food and alcohol, gout affects people across the socioeconomic spectrum and is related to an individual’s uric acid metabolism.

According to the NHS, the disease can be treated with non-steroidal painkillers like ibuprofen. However, worse bouts can mean stronger steroids or an injection.

High alcohol consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor diet, and diabetes all increase the risk of contracting the illness.

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