IRIS
Your body produces uric acid as a waste product when it breaks down purines, which are specific chemicals found in food and beverages. The majority of uric acid dissolves in your blood, filters through your kidneys, and exits your body through urine. The medical term for having elevated uric acid levels in the body is "hyperuricemia." It develops if your body retains too much uric acid and fails to excrete it. Sharp crystals of uric acid form when there is hyperuricemia. Gout, a painful type of arthritis, develops due to these crystals settling in your joints. Also, they may accumulate in your kidneys and cause kidney stones.
It is possible to treat hyperuricemia effectively. You may need to make some adjustments to your daily schedule, such as changing your diet or increasing your water intake. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat any symptoms you're having or to lower your uric acid levels. Let’s learn more about this condition and its impact on our quality of life.
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Males typically have uric acid levels ranging between 2.5 and 7.0 mg/dL, while females typically have levels between 1.5 and 6.0 mg/dL. While high levels can cause kidney disease, gout, and other health problems, low levels are rare.
It's normal to have some uric acid in the blood. However, health issues may arise if uric acid levels fall or rise above a normal range. The risk of kidney stones and gout is high in people with high uric acid levels.
If a person is excreting excessive uric acid, the levels in the urine will be high, and the levels in the blood will be low.
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Purines are broken down by your body to produce uric acid. Purines are found in nature and are safe in trace amounts. However, you can gradually increase your uric acid levels by consuming high-purine foods on a regular basis. Purine-rich foods and beverages include:
Following are the factors that increase the risk of hyperuricemia:
Usually, hyperuricemia doesn't cause any symptoms. Until their uric acid levels are high enough to result in kidney stones or gout, the majority of people are unaware that they have it.
| Symptoms of Gout | Symptoms of Kidney Stone |
| Intense pain | Pain in your lower back or side |
| Discoloration or redness | Nausea or vomiting |
| Stiffness | Fever or chills |
| Swelling | Blood in urine |
| Tenderness | Pain while urinating |
| Warmth | Being unable to urinate |
| Increased urge to urinate | |
| Bad-smelling urine | |
| Cloudy urine |
Uric acid levels can be checked via urine test and blood test. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout. When you experience a flare-up of gout symptoms, your doctor will take a sample of your joint fluid to check for uric acid crystals. Also, they may perform imaging tests on your joints, such as
You might not require treatment for hyperuricemia if you have elevated uric acid levels but no symptoms. The frequency of blood tests to monitor any changes in your uric acid levels will be determined by the doctor who treats you. Avoiding foods and beverages high in purines is the best way to help lower your uric acid. Try to cut back on how frequently you eat and drink:
Uric acid levels can be lowered by eating a low-purine diet. Consult your doctor about specific foods and beverages you should stay away from. They can assist you in creating a personalized exercise and nutrition regimen.
Your uric acid levels determine what medications you require. You may require medications intended specifically to treat kidney stones or gout.
Your doctor may recommend medications that help your kidneys eliminate any excess uric acid or dissolve any uric acid crystals that have already accumulated in your body.
Until gout or a kidney stone causes pain or other symptoms, you might not even be aware that you have hyperuricemia. A person with gout must maintain uric acid levels within a healthy range. This can lessen the chance of gout flare-ups and alleviate symptoms. You can reduce your uric acid levels, prevent any further symptoms, and enhance your general health by making a few small adjustments to your regular diet and exercise regimen.
See a doctor if you have any new symptoms, particularly if you have swelling or it hurts to urinate. Consult experts at IRIS Hospital for personalized care. Book your consultation now!
Q1: What is the normal uric acid range for men and women?
A: For men, the typical range is 3.5–7.2 mg/dL, and for women, it is 2.6–6 mg/dL. Values above this could suggest a higher risk of kidney problems or gout.
Q2: How is the uric acid test performed, and is fasting required?
A: Fasting is usually not necessary, and a small amount of blood is drawn. Fasting may only be recommended by your doctor if this test is advised in conjunction with other tests.
Q3: What diet is good for controlling high uric acid?
A: Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy. Hydration and a plant-forward diet help flush out uric acid naturally.
Q4: How can hyperuricemia be prevented?
A: Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen is the best way to prevent hyperuricemia. You can maintain low uric acid levels by limiting the frequency with which you consume purine-rich foods and drinks. Besides that, it will support your general well-being.
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