What are the effects of high and low uric acid levels?
Most people know that high uric acid can cause gout, but not many are aware of the other effects on a person’s life. High levels of uric acid in your system cause kidney stones and renal failure, which leads to severe health complications or even death. Low levels of uric acid can lead to a condition known as hypouricemia and this, in turn, leads to anemia, gout attacks, kidney stones, or even cardiomyopathy.
Regardless of the level, uric acid is never healthy for you to have in your system. It can lead to many diseases and complications that will make it difficult or even impossible to live life as you once knew it.
How Does Uric Acid Accumulate In The Body?
Uric acid naturally results from the breakdown of purines, which are found in animal proteins. But overeating and consuming too much alcohol can also lead to high uric acid levels. The same is true for people with gout or kidney disease that causes impaired renal function; this leads to excess uric acid being excreted by the kidneys. High levels of uric acid in the blood are called hyperuricemia and can lead to a gout attack. The pain is intense and typically occurs at night, so sufferers often awaken with morning stiffness. Gouts symptoms include:
- Swelling or redness around joints such as toe knuckles or big toes;
- Joints that hurt when you move them ;
- Tender, warm skin over the joints;
- Warmth or redness of the skin on other parts of your body;
- Burning sensation when uric acid crystals get into your eyes.
Uric Acid Levels In Males And Females
Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, which are found in many animal and plant foods. The uric acid that accumulates as crystals can cause gout or kidney stones. High levels may also be associated with premenstrual syndromes (PMS) symptoms such as joint pain, water retention, and mood swings in females. In males, elevated uric acid levels have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease because it suppresses nitric oxide production – leading to higher blood pressure and cholesterol. Elevated uric acid has also been shown to increase insulin resistance – making it harder for your body’s cells to use glucose from carbohydrates – increasing the risk for type II diabetes mellitus.
Causes Of High Uric Acid
There are many causes of high uric acid levels, including excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune disorders, and certain drugs. It is important to note that there can be a genetic component as well- some people have rare gene mutations that make them more susceptible to high uric acid levels.
Medical Disorders That Are Related
1. Kidney Disease
High levels of uric acid can cause kidney stones and other health problems. Kidney disease is a long-term, chronic condition that causes the kidneys to stop working as well as they should or not work at all. Due to this, it becomes difficult for the body to filter out waste from normal bodily processes like food digestion and blood circulation, leading to an increase in toxins circulated throughout one’s system, causing even more issues with organ function.
This buildup of chemicals can also affect how organs grow and develop, making them either too small or enlarged depending on what type of dysfunction occurs. If untreated, renal failure may occur, leading to increased risks for heart attack, stroke, pulmonary edema (fluid around lungs), infections such as sepsis and septic shock, as well as other serious problems.
2. Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high uric acid. A buildup of these acids in the blood triggers gout attacks, sudden flare-ups that primarily affect the joints and extremities. The inflammation can be so severe that it causes excruciating pain and wakes you up at night.
3. Fanconi Syndrome
Fanconi syndrome is a rare kidney disorder caused by high levels of an enzyme called purine nucleotidase, or PNP. The excess PNP catalyzes the conversion of uric acid into allantoin and ammonia, which causes elevated creatine kinase levels in your body. This eventually leads to kidney damage.
4. Cancer Treatment
High uric acid levels can cause cancer to spread. It is often seen in malignant cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and lung or kidney cancer.
Diagnosis
High urea or uric acid is a common condition that can be diagnosed by looking at the patient’s blood and urine. Uric acid levels in the bloodstream are increased when it doesn’t dissolve, which may occur because of some medications, metabolic disorders, kidney stones, or gout. The health consequences vary from person to person depending on their age and general state of health before developing high uric acid. Still, long-term damage to joints can lead to chronic pain in those with pre-existing arthritis.
Treatment For Both High And Low Blood Sugar Levels
If you have high blood sugar levels, it is essential to talk with your online doctor consultation about what kind of treatment will be best. Blood-sugar lowering drugs are available to help control the stories in your body. You may also need insulin or other medications that can lower blood sugar and keep them stable.
Ask your health care provider if you would benefit from a dietary plan that focuses on reducing carbohydrates and increasing protein intake. These changes should not only reduce weight but should improve cholesterol numbers too!
The Bottom Line
It’s essential to know the signs of high uric acid and how you can treat it. With a bit of knowledge, you can take steps towards preventing or treating this condition, which is common among adults aged 40-60 years old. We hope that this guide helps you in making an informed decision.
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