3 reasons to talk to your health professional about gout

Ostend Medical Centre was recently joined by Clinical Pharmacist Trish Hammond, who brings a particular expertise in the management of gout to the clinic. 

Trish says that while gout is a common condition, there are still a lot of misconceptions in the community about it, particularly the belief that it is primarily caused by what someone eats or drinks.  While lifestyle factors can influence urate levels and gout, the underlying issue is often a genetic predisposition to hyperuricaemia.  It’s important that patients understand that gout is not simply a consequence of their lifestyle or something they have “done wrong” as there can be significant stigma associated with the condition, and recurrent flares can result in time away from work and a substantial impact on patients and their families.

Fortunately, Trish has provided us with the top 3 reasons to talk to your health professional about gout:

1. Gout is not your fault
   Gout is a medical condition and is not simply the result of lifestyle choices. For many people, there is a strong genetic component that affects how the body processes and gets rid of uric acid. Your health professional can help you better understand your gout, answer your questions and work with you to find the right treatment to manage it effectively.

2. Treat flares and prevent future attacks, joint damage and complications
   A gout flare is a great opportunity to talk with your health professional about your current treatment, rather than simply relying on over-the-counter pain relief, which may not always be suitable or safe. They can help manage the flare, provide personalised advice and discuss whether urate-lowering therapy (ULT) is right for you. ULT lowers uric acid levels, helping to prevent future flares, protect your joints and prevent complications of gout over the long term.

3. Look after your overall health
   Gout can occur alongside other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Talking with your health professional provides an opportunity to review your medicines, check your overall health and identify any concerns early. Managing gout effectively can play an important role in supporting your long-term health and wellbeing.

If you’re ready to talk to us about better management of your gout, give us a call on 09 372 5005.  Appointments with Trish are provided at no cost and offer a supportive and understanding approach to patient care.