MALAYSIA is facing a worrying rise in gout cases, with health experts warning the condition is fast becoming a silent public health crisis, particularly due to the country’s high rates of obesity and poor dietary habits.
Across Southeast Asia, some 4.35 million people are currently living with gout, with the number of cases increasing by 21 per cent between 1990 and 2020 — a trend reflected in Malaysia.
Dr Lydia Pok Say Lee (pic), Consultant Rheumatologist and Internal Medicine Specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, said that if left untreated, gout could lead to serious complications including kidney disease, joint infections and long-term mobility loss.
“The rise in cases highlights the urgent need to raise awareness and promote early intervention,” Bernama cited her saying in a statement issued by the medical centre.
Dr Pok explained that gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excessive uric acid in the blood, which crystallises in the joints and triggers sudden pain, often during the night or early morning.
“Key signs of a gout attack include sudden joint pain and swelling without prior injury, particularly in the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle, knee, elbow, wrist and fingers.
“The affected joint becomes red, swollen and warm, making movement extremely painful,” she said.
Once dubbed the “disease of kings” due to its association with rich diets, gout now affects people across all socioeconomic groups, driven by modern eating patterns.
“Increased intake of purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood and alcohol raises uric acid levels and leads to inflammation,” Dr Pok explained.
She cited obesity as a major contributing factor, noting that nearly half of Malaysia’s population is overweight, which in turn affects kidney function and impairs the body’s ability to excrete uric acid effectively.
Other contributing factors include metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and genetics.
“Having a family history of gout increases the likelihood of developing the disease due to genetic mutations that affect uric acid processing,” she said.
While middle-aged men are at higher risk, Dr Pok stressed that post-menopausal women and even children can also suffer from gout.
Addressing common misconceptions, she clarified that while diet is a significant trigger, other causes such as genetics, medications and underlying health conditions also play a role. Without treatment, chronic joint damage and loss of mobility can occur.
“Neglecting gout can lead to more frequent and severe attacks. What begins as an occasional flare every few months can progress to weekly episodes.
“As the condition worsens, the pain intensifies, the attacks last longer, and multiple joints may be affected. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required due to extreme joint pain,” she warned.
Untreated, gout can lead to the formation of tophi — hardened deposits of uric acid under the skin — causing disfigurement and permanent joint damage.
Dr Pok urged those experiencing recurrent gout attacks to seek medical care, stressing that long-term uric acid management is essential to avoid complications.
“Treating pain alone is not sufficient. A tailored plan involving medication and lifestyle changes can effectively control gout and reduce flares,” she said.
“With early diagnosis, proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, Malaysians can stop this silent epidemic from worsening.” - May 20, 2025
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