Hyperuricemia: Symptoms, Normal Levels, Causes & Treatment

Hyperuricemia (high uric acid) can occur due to kidney dysfunction, excessive consumption of purine-rich foods like red meat and seafood, diabetes, or frequent alcohol intake

When uric acid cannot be properly eliminated from the body, it may accumulate in the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity, and redness in the affected area.

Hyperuricemia can be managed and, in many cases, cured. Treatment should be guided by a doctor and a registered dietitian, and typically involves adopting healthier eating habits and engaging in regular physical activity. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication to relieve symptoms and prevent further uric acid buildup.

Main symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hyperuricemia include:

• Pain and swelling in one joint, especially the big toe, ankle, knee, or fingers

• Difficulty moving the affected joint

• Redness and warmth around the joint

• Joint deformity caused by excessive crystal accumulation

It is also common for kidney stones to develop, which can cause severe lower back pain and difficulty urinating. When these symptoms occur, it is important to consult a doctor to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.

Normal uric acid levels

To determine if uric acid levels are high, blood or urine tests should be done. The reference values are generally as follows:

Results above these reference values confirm hyperuricemia, and the doctor may recommend further tests to determine the cause and guide treatment.

Common causes

The main causes of hyperuricemia include:

• Excessive intake of purine-rich foods, such as red meat, seafood, and fish

• Frequent alcohol consumption

• Diet high in saturated fats

• Obesity

• Kidney failure

• Diabetes

• Genetic factors

Additionally, the use of certain medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or immunosuppressants like cyclosporine or tacrolimus may increase the risk of hyperuricemia.

Treatment options

Treatment for hyperuricemia should be guided by a general practitioner or rheumatologist and typically includes medications to lower uric acid levels, such as allopurinol, probenecid, or febuxostat, and anti-inflammatory drugs like indomethacin or ibuprofen to relieve joint pain.

According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), lifestyle changes such as limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing purine-rich foods are essential parts of managing gout and high uric acid levels.

During treatment, it is also essential to follow a diet that helps reduce uric acid levels, avoiding foods rich in purines like red meat, fish, and seafood, and prioritizing natural, unprocessed foods.

Diet for hyperuricemia

A uric acid-lowering diet should focus on healthy, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

At the same time, foods high in purines, refined flours, and sugar should be limited, including:

• Excessive red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb

• Fish and seafood, such as mussels, clams, mackerel, sardines, herring, and similar species

• Excessive poultry, such as duck, goose, or chicken

• Alcoholic beverages, including beer, liquor, and wine

• Sugary foods and drinks, such as sodas, packaged juices, ketchup, and barbecue sauce

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, and cookies should also be avoided.

• Hyperuricemia happens when excess uric acid builds up in the blood, often due to kidney problems, diet, or alcohol use, and can lead to joint pain and swelling.

• Diagnosis is made through blood or urine tests, and treatment may include medications, anti-inflammatories, and lifestyle changes.

• A balanced, low-purine diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps lower uric acid levels and prevent gout or kidney stones.