Why is uric acid bad

Medications - can cause increased levels of uric acid in the blood Endocrine or metabolic conditions -certain forms of diabetes, or acidosis can cause hyperuricemia Elevated uric acid levels may produce kidney problems, or none at all. People may live many years with elevated uric acid levels, and they do not develop gout or gouty arthritis arthritis means "joint inflammation".

Symptoms of Hyperuricemia: You may not have any symptoms. If your blood uric acid levels are significantly elevated, and you are undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia or lymphoma, you may have symptoms kidney problems, or gouty arthritis from high uric acid levels in your blood.

You may have fever, chills, fatigue if you have certain forms of cancer, and your uric acid levels are elevated caused by tumor lysis syndrome You may notice an inflammation of a joint called "gout" , if the uric acid crystals deposit in one of your joints.

You may have kidney problems caused by formation of kidney stones , or problems with urination Things You Can Do About Hyperuricemia: Make sure you tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking including over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies. Remind your doctor or healthcare provider if you have a history of diabetes, liver, kidney, or heart disease.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding lowering your blood uric acid level and treating your hyperuricemia. If your blood levels are severely elevated, he or she may prescribe medications to lower the uric acid levels to a safe range. Foods that are high in purine include: All organ meats such as liver , meat extracts and gravy Yeasts, and yeast extracts such as beer, and alcoholic beverages Asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower and mushrooms Foods that are low in purine include: Refined cereals - breads, pasta, flour, tapioca, cakes Milk and milk products, eggs Lettuce, tomatoes, green vegetables Cream soups without meat stock Water, fruit juice, carbonated drinks Peanut butter, fruits and nuts Keep well hydrated, drinking 2 to 3 liters of water per day, unless you were told otherwise.

Take all of your medications for hyperuricemia as directed Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to problems with uric acid and hyperuricemia. Also, drugs such as niacin, and low doses of aspirin less than 3 grams per day can aggravate uric acid levels. Do not take these medications, or aspirin unless a healthcare provider who knows your condition told you. If you experience symptoms or side effects, especially if severe, be sure to discuss them with your health care team.

Drugs or Treatments That May Be Prescribed by Your Doctor: Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe medications if you have a high blood uric acid levels. Gout may be a result of a high uric acid level. You may have other tests to check for gout. For example, you may have a sample of joint fluid drawn out with a needle. You may also have a urinalysis if your healthcare provider thinks that you have a kidney stone.

The urinalysis looks for blood, white blood cells, and crystals. You may have tests of your blood and urine to find out what's causing the high levels uric acid. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. You may have too much uric acid in your blood hyperuricemia if your results are:.

Your uric acid levels may be high if you eat foods high in purines. These include organ meats, dried beans and peas, and fish such as anchovies, herring, sardines, and mackerel. High levels can also be caused by a low-salt diet. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community.

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Accessed Oct. Questions and answers about gout. Kim SY, et al. Hyperuricemia and coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ohno, I.