In most cases, the increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood, called hyperuricemia, does not cause symptoms, it is only discovered during a blood test, in which a uric acid concentration above 6.8 mg / dL, or examination urine, where uric acid crystals can be viewed microscopically.
When symptoms appear, it is an indication that some disease has developed due to the accumulation of uric acid that is in excess in the blood, and there may be back pain, joint pain and swelling, for example.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of high uric acid are related to the disease it may be causing, which may be indicative of gout or kidney stones, for example. Thus, the main symptoms that can arise are:
- Pain and swelling in the joints: Small bumps near the joints of the fingers, elbows, knees and feet; Redness and difficulty in moving the affected joint; Feeling of "sand" when touching the region where the crystals have settled; Chills and low fever; Flaking of the skin in the affected region; Renal cramps.
In the case of gout, pain is more common in the big toe, but it can also affect other joints such as ankles, knees, wrists and fingers, and the most affected people are usually men, people with a family history of arthritis and people who consume a lot of alcohol.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for high uric acid can be done with some restrictions on food and with medications prescribed by the rheumatologist. Thus, to improve nutrition and lower uric acid, it is recommended to drink water regularly, eat foods that help to reduce uric acid, such as apples, beets, carrots or cucumbers, for example, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, especially beer. have a large amount of purine, and avoid eating red meat, seafood, fish and processed foods because they also contain high levels of purine.
In addition, one should also try to combat sedentary lifestyle and maintain an active life. The doctor may also prescribe the use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory medication and to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body.
Watch the following video and learn more about what to eat if you have high uric acid:
