Gout - Adults - Safety netting advice

Surrey Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) Information

When to seek further review

Get a GP assessment if this is the first episode of a hot, swollen joint. Do not assume it is gout.
Prescribed treatment should begin to help within about 2 days. Contact the GP if the usual treatment is not helping.
Get urgent assessment today for a hot, swollen joint with worsening pain, fever, chills, sickness or feeling unwell; a joint infection needs urgent treatment.
Arrange a GP follow-up after the flare settles to discuss blood tests, medicines and preventing further attacks.
Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.

When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)

A very painful, hot swollen joint with rapid deterioration, collapse, confusion or severe breathing difficulty.
Severe illness with a fever, shaking chills and a racing heartbeat.
Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
Being very difficult to wake.
Collapse or loss of consciousness.
Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.

How to spot sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.

An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.

Adult sepsis signs: slurred speech or confusion; extreme shivering or muscle pain; no urine in a day; severe breathlessness; feeling extremely unwell; mottled or discoloured skin. — Adults

Child sepsis signs: very fast breathing; a fit or convulsion; mottled, bluish or pale skin; a rash that does not fade under pressure; very difficult to wake; abnormally cold. Under-5 warning signs also include not feeding, repeated vomiting or no urine for 12 hours. — Children

Sources

NHS - Gouthttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gout/
NICE NG219 - Gouthttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng219/chapter/Recommendations
NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/

When to seek further review

When to get emergency help(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)

How to spot sepsis

Sources

When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)