Abstract

Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition, which is becoming increasingly common in both men and women. Characterised by painful, swollen joints, gout can occur in acute, intermittent attacks or it can develop into a crippling chronic disease. Attacks are typically brought on by over consumption of purine-rich foods and drinks, such as shellfish and beer, medications for high blood pressure, being overweight, major surgery and other medical conditions such as diabetes.

This is an invaluable reference guide answering 217 genuine questions about gout and offering positive, practical advice on dealing with the condition. It dispels the myth that this is just a problem suffered by the over indulgent and provides the best advice on treatment and alleviating painful symptoms.

Review by the BMA Book Award Panel:
"I think the authors achieve the challenging task of conveying an abundance of detailed information to all these groups. The question and answer format is targeted at patients as the 176 questions are genuine questions asked by patients. It also appeals to doctors as it gives medical readers a good template to answer questions asked by their own patients. It aims to provide detailed information on many aspects of gout including diet, lifestyle, jobs holidays as well as the basics about diagnosis treatment etc. The wide-ranging chapters and the Q&A format and the engaging style all contribute to the book very adequately fulfilling these objectives. One of the authors is a medical educationalist and this is reflected in the style and reading level which cleverly seems to meet the needs of patient and doctor alike. I suspect the book would appeal more to the well-motivated, intelligent, and possibly middle class reader, especially as its nearly 200 pages long. Other booklets on gout for patients that I have seen are generally shorter and more superficial. This book seems more than just an introduction. It would seem to be more of a detailed companion and reference work for the interested sufferer. The wide range of topics covered makes it especially valuable. I was impressed in particular by the section on food and drink which has copious amounts of very useful and practical information. The reader is also signposted to further detailed advice about diet and food preparation in the appendix. This is the second edition (2013) and the previous edition has had several reprints. The book comes across as very up-to-date – especially the chapter on research and the future. The interested reader is also signposted in the appendix to organisations such as Arthritis Research UK and would clearly be kept up-to-date via this route even when the book is five years older. The book reads very well and the influence of the medical educationalist is apparent. The style and mood of the book is also very upbeat and positive with appropriate use of humour and anecdote. Any use of jargon is very adequately explained in simple language and there is a comprehensive glossary of terms at the end of the book. I would definitely recommend the book to the interested reader. There is no shortage of up-to-date and detailed information. GPs and GP registrars would learn from the book. At nearly 200 pages it's definitely more than just an introduction to gout and it might be best to recommend that patients read a shorter leaflet initially (e.g. Arthritis Research UK booklet) before committing to this book. This is an authoritative and up-to-date book covering a large amount of detailed information in an appealing question and answer format. It is much more than just an introduction to the topic and should empower the reader to become expert at self-management of this often distressing and chronic condition. This is a very comprehensive, practical self-help guide for the gout sufferer with an excellent question and answer format covering almost everything a gout sufferer might want to know. It is all put across in a positive and appealing style. There is plenty of information for doctors here as well as patients."