I am a gout sufferer. I just happened to be traveling in Europe this summer when I saw a special report that many patients with this disease aren’t really getting the control they should be with their meds. How can I tell if I might be one of them?

You may be referring to the meeting that was the 2011 Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, also known as EULAR. Results of many gout studies from around the world are reported at this meeting.

One significant finding is the one you heard: the condition is not being controlled adequately for the majority of patients. In fact, only about one-third of all patients in Europe who get these medications have normal serum uric acid levels.

Not too surprising, quality of life is lower when gout is not under good control. Swollen, tender, and painful joints can be very debilitating. Patients say the pain is so bad the joint can’t even stand the slightest touch. Even the weight of a sheet in bed at night causes excruciating pain.

Walking and standing are almost impossible during an acute flare-up if the legs or feet are affected. Many patients have flu-like symptoms, including fever and chills. The pain may go away on its own in a few hours, or it may take a few weeks. Understandably, work and social life suffer.

A simple blood test will tell you what your serum (blood level) uric acid is at the time of the test. There may be some daily fluctuations (periodic ups and downs) in your uric acid level. But the goal is to have a consistent level that is less than six milligrams per deciliter.

Studies like the ones presented at the EULAR meeting are important to keep us all up-to-date on this condition. Trends like this one where patients really aren’t getting the kind of control they need is a good one to bring forward for consideration and change.

See your primary care physician or rheumatologist for an evaluation. Let your physician know anytime you experience an increase in painful, tender, swollen joints. Staying on top of the disease and its symptoms with adequate medical treatment is important.