Six key messages about gout

These key messages, identified by Gout Action Aotearoa, a group of clinicians, researchers and organisations with a focus on improving the treatment and management of gout, are helpful when discussing gout with your patient and their whānau:

• Gout is not your fault.

• Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your body. The uric acid forms crystals in your joints, causing painful gout attacks. 

• 90% of the uric acid in your body is caused by your genes and kidneys, while only 10% is caused by food and drink.

• Many Māori and Pacific peoples have genes that stop them from getting rid of uric acid in their urine. 

• The only way to get rid of the crystals is to take medicine every day to bring your uric acid levels down. 

• If you don’t get treatment, the crystals can cause permanent damage to your joints and harm your kidneys. 

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References:

1. Gout Guide for health providers

2. Gout Healthify

3. Gout Arthritis NZ

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