Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia is a condition in which uric acid levels are too high in the blood. When there is an increase of uric acid in the body, it can form crystals that deposit in and around the joints, leading to joint pain and swelling. It can also lead to kidney stones and other health complications. Thankfully, the condition can be managed with medications and home remedies for uric acid.Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the body and causes painful swelling, usually occurring in the joint at the base of the big toe. The cause for this condition can be a diet including purine-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs or alcohol, which leads to an increase in uric acid.To treat or reduce gout pain, doctors usually recommend taking medications such as allopurinol (Zyloprim) and colchicine (Colcrys). These drugs can help lower the amount of uric acid produced by the body.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the most common complications associated with high uric acid levels. When uric acid accumulates in the body, it can form crystals that collect in the kidneys. These kidney stones cause pain and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In some cases, they even block urine flow and can cause dangerous infections.How is High Uric Acid Diagnosed?
High uric acid is usually detected in a routine blood test. A doctor will look for signs of gout and kidney damage as well as high serum creatinine levels. A uric acid blood test is also conducted to diagnose hyperuricemia.But how does high uric acid develop in the first place? The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining normal uric acid levels in the body by filtering and excreting waste products, including excess uric acid. When the kidneys are not working properly, uric acid can build up and cause health problems.
Several things can damage the kidneys, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney stones
- Viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS
- Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs and diuretics
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain foods, such as shellfish and red meat
High uric acid can also be a sign of other health problems, including:
- Cancer
- Liver disease
- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
How High Uric Acid Level Treated?
The primary treatment for high uric acid levels is to avoid or limit the intake of purine-rich foods, especially organ meats and seafood. The specific diet guidelines will depend on the underlying source of elevated uric acid level (kidney stones vs tumour lysis syndrome). Uricase inhibitors are also used to treat hyperuricemia due to tumour lysis syndrome.They work by inhibiting uric acid production in the liver and are most effective when given at or near the onset of symptoms (evidence is limited, so they cannot currently be recommended for routine use). Other medications used to treat hyperuricemia include allopurinol, febuxostat, rasburicase, and pegylated uricase.
How to Treat High Uric Acid Level Naturally?
There are many home remedies for uric acid to lower elevated levels naturally:- Drink more fluids, especially water and green tea
- Lose weight if you're overweight
- Exercise regularly (but avoid strenuous activities)
- Avoid purine-rich foods such as organ meats and seafood
- Eat low-purine food like coffee, nuts, bread, potatoes etc
If you have high uric acid levels, it's important to see a doctor to find out the underlying cause and get early treatment. Due to medical advancements and other home remedies, uric acid levels can be controlled. And with health care, it's all the more manageable.
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