Incidence of so-called Victorian diseases in U.K. reaches 5-year high

September 26, 2022  19:32

About 1.5 million people in Great Britain suffer from gout. It is a type of arthritis that causes severe pain in the joints, the Mirror writes.

Data from the National Health Service show that between 2021 and 2022, about 250,000 people were hospitalized with gout. Over the past three years, the number of cases has increased by 20%.

British media reports that so-called Victorian diseases have reached a five-year high. They include gout, cholera, tuberculosis, scurvy, mumps, malnutrition, whooping cough, measles, typhoid, scarlet fever, diphtheria, rickets and vitamin D deficiency.

This figure is up 25% from 338,216 hospitalizations in 2020/21. During the pandemic, this rate declined. This means that the number of inpatients diagnosed with these diseases is at its highest level since at least 2017/18.

Gout can last for five to seven days before the condition improves. Joint damage can be avoided by starting treatment immediately. A healthy weight, a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol will also help.

The main symptoms to look out for are: sudden severe joint pain (usually in the big toe, hand, wrist, elbow, or knee); swollen joints; redness of the affected joint; and hot skin.

Dr. Alastair Dixon, an internist and trustee of the Gout Society of Great Britain, says that many physicians still think of gout as a disease caused by excessive food intake. "There is a lack of awareness that it is a genetic disease," he told the Mail.

Causes of gout exacerbation include:

- Older age

- Male sex at birth

- Obesity

- A diet high in purines, which are broken down in the body to uric acid

- Alcohol consumption

- Sweetened drinks, sodas, and high fructose corn syrup

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

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive
 
  • Most read
 
  • Find us on Facebook
 
  • Poll
Are you aware that in 2027 medical insurance will become mandatory for all Armenian citizens?
I’m aware, and I'm in favor
I’m not aware, and I'm against
I'm aware, but I'm still undecided
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm in favor
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm against
It doesn't matter to me