Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Symptoms, Causes & Preventive Measures

Uric acid is a waste product produced in the body as a result of the breakdown of purines. These are molecules found in many of the foods we eat. An increase in the levels of uric acid in the body can lead to a condition known as hyperuricemia. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems. 

Familiarising yourself with the symptoms of uric acid problems is key to being able to seek treatment before it becomes a more serious issue. One of the most common symptoms of high uric acid is gout. It is a type of arthritis that causes severe pain, redness, and stiffness in the joints. Uric acid can also cause kidney stones. This can cause pain in the lower back and abdomen, difficulty urinating, and fever.

When it comes to symptoms of uric acid, the earlier you can identify them, the better. Knowing what to look out for and being aware of your uric acid levels can help you to avoid more serious long-term health conditions caused by high uric acid levels. If you experience any of the symptoms of uric acid problems, seek medical advice immediately.

Symptoms of Uric Acid:

There are very few tell-tale signs of abnormal levels of uric acid in the body. The following paragraphs of the article will discuss some of the symptoms of uric acid - both high uric acid symptoms and low uric acid symptoms in the body. This way, you will be able to identify at the earliest whether or not your blood uric acid levels are fluctuating.

Gout is a very prevalent symptom of high uric acid levels in the body. It is a type of arthritis. If left untreated, gout can cause permanent damage to the joints. It can even lead to disability. Kidney stones are one of the most serious high uric acid symptoms. It is caused when uric acid crystals get deposited in the urinary tract and form kidney stones. These stones can cause excruciating pain in patients suffering from the condition.

A much smaller portion of the population also suffers from a low level of uric acid - often caused by medical conditions such as Fanconi syndrome.

Here are seven signs and symptoms of abnormal levels of uric acid in the body:

• Red, swollen and stiffness of joints as a result of gout.

• Disfigured joints and mobility issues are also common.

• Joints that are discoloured, and feel warm to the touch.

• The patient feels fatigued continuously.

• Urinary Tract Infections are also common symptoms of high uric acid levels in the body. Patients may experience a frequent urge to urinate. They may experience pain while passing urine. In extreme cases, it can cause bleeding, fever and other symptoms.

• Kidney stones - They are caused by both low and high levels of uric acid- can also cause pain in the lower back region. Patients may also experience nausea, pain and difficulty when urinating. 

• Low uric acid symptoms can cause dehydration and issues with bones.

Causes of Abnormal Uric Acid Levels:

There are no clear-cut causes behind the fluctuation. However, sometimes certain health conditions, lifestyles, and genetics can affect uric acid levels in the body. Some of the causes that contribute to abnormal levels of uric acid are as follows -

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Diuretics
• A diet that is rich in processed food, red meat, or alcoholic drinks such as beer and whiskey
• Immuno suppressant medications
• Men are more likely to be affected than women
• Chemotherapy
• Genetics
• Obesity

Diagnosis and Preventive Measures:

Medical professionals may advise you to take a uric acid test. It will test the level of uric acid present in your bloodstream. It is done by either taking your blood or urine samples. Once your doctor detects high or low levels of uric acid, the next step would be to suggest a treatment plan.

The treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis. Overall, the aim would be to manage the level of uric acid in the blood and bring it back to a normal level. You may be asked to alter your diet or make certain changes in your lifestyle. 

Steps may include the following -

• Avoid food rich in purine. Food such as red meat, seafood, and poultry produces uric acid in the body on digestion. Limit such food sources in your diet.

• Control your blood sugar levels. Research shows people living with high blood sugar, or diabetes, are more likely to suffer from hyperuricemia. Hence, it is necessary to get your blood glucose levels checked from time to time.

• Obesity may be connected with high levels of uric acid. Consult your doctor to help you decide on a healthy weight best suited for you.

• Limit the intake of sugary beverages. Research shows that a rapid increase in blood sugar levels is also accompanied by an increase in uric acid in the blood.

• Incorporating more fibres into your diet helps control the level of uric acid. Consider consuming more lentils, chickpeas, pears, spinach, etc.

Conclusion:

With timely medical intervention and treatment, uric acid levels can be effectively managed and treated. Timely and regular checkup is a necessity to maintain a healthy level of uric acid in the body.

To keep the blood-testing procedure seamless and hassle-free - no matter which city you are in - consider getting in touch with the professionals at Metropolis Healthcare. If you have already consulted your doctor and know which test to take, book an appointment to have a professional come to your house and collect the blood samples. 

They also have different screening packages, for testing several health conditions. Check out their list of services here.