2023-12-19 19:10:38
Hyperureaemia, a condition in which your body has high levels of uric acid, is very common but difficult to diagnose. This is because it does not cause symptoms, but it can lead to health conditions, such as kidney stones and gout. Hence, it becomes important to understand the condition to keep your health under control.
Expert Dr. R. Dutta, a nephrologist at Fortis Hospital and Kidney Institute in Kolkata, explains hyperuricemia, its causes, risk factors, and lifestyle measures that must be followed, according to what was reported by the specialized medical website “onlymyhealth.”
High uric acid
The body produces uric acid, which is filtered from the bloodstream during urination and removed by the kidneys in 60-65% of cases.
“The intestine removes the rest through it and the bile,” Dutta says. There may be problems if there is increased uric acid production or inappropriate excretion. “It can lead to the production of crystals, which can accumulate in the kidneys or joints and lead to kidney stones, gout, or other serious health problems.”
According to a study conducted by the Journal of the Medical Association of India, more than 30% of patients who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, or both suffer from hyperuricaemia. Both acute kidney damage and the development of chronic kidney disease may be affected by high levels of uric acid. However, in asymptomatic cases, this can go undiagnosed.
Dr. Dutta adds, “The importance of early detection of high uric acid and its proper management is essential for managing one’s health well and preventing or managing related diseases.”
Causes of high uric acid levels
Dr. Dutta says, “Some digestive, renal, or hormonal disorders can affect the body’s ability to remove uric acid from the body, leading to high amounts of uric acid in the blood.” Excessive consumption of fatty meats, shellfish, alcohol, dry beans or peas, and foods high in fructose (foods high in natural sugar, mainly found in fruits such as apples and watermelon) can also lead to high uric acid levels.
How to recognize hyperuricaemia
Most individuals do not experience any symptoms, although high uric acid levels can have a severe impact on the body.
Dr. Dutta emphasizes, “As a result, individuals must recognize risk factors and undergo early screening to diagnose them early, manage them well, and reduce the chances of developing associated complications such as kidney stones.”
Dr. Dutta listed some specific factors as follows:
– Some people may experience painful joint pain, soreness, edema, or redness.
Kidney stones caused by high uric acid levels can also cause symptoms, such as nausea, lower back or abdominal pain, and painful or difficult urination.
Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia can increase the chance of developing many diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. However, up to 60% of individuals with hyperuricaemia have no symptoms.
“As a result, a large number of them go undiagnosed,” Dr. Dutta adds.
Risk factors for hyperuricaemia
Dr. Dutta listed the risk factors for hyperuricaemia as follows:
– You may be more likely to develop this condition if you are male, older, obese, or have a high body mass index. Excessive consumption of red meat, seafood, fructose, or alcohol.
– There is an increased risk for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism.
Lifestyle modifications to manage hyperuricaemia
Dr. Dutta has listed the lifestyle modifications that you should follow to manage hyperuricaemia as follows:
– Do physical activity, such as exercising every day
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Limit consumption of red meat, fish and alcohol
– Eat low-fat dairy products
– Include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet
– Eat more plant protein, nuts and legumes
– Avoid foods that contain high fructose corn syrup (a type of sugar) and limit drinks that contain sugar.
“If a person has any worrisome symptoms or thinks they may be at high risk for developing hyperuricaemia, they should talk to their doctor,” Dr. Dutta concluded. “This will help develop a concrete action plan to reduce uric acid levels.”
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