Hyperuricaemia is characterized by an excess of uric acid in the blood, which is a risk factor for developing gout, and also the onset of other kidney diseases.
Uric acid is a substance that results from the breakdown of proteins, which is then eliminated by the kidneys. However, people with kidney problems or people who ingest high doses of protein may have difficulty removing this substance, allowing it to build up in joints, tendons and kidneys.
- Hyperuricaemia can be treated by reducing protein intake or by administering medications recommended by your doctor.
The main way to identify hyperuricaemia is when excess uric acid in the body causes gout. In such cases, symptoms such as:
Over time, excessive accumulation of uric acid can cause joint deformities. Learn more about the drop and how the treatment is performed.
In addition, some people with hyperuricaemia may also have kidney stones, which cause severe back pain and difficulty urinating, for example.
The diagnosis of hyperuricaemia is made by testing blood and urine tests, which allow the determination of uric acid levels, in order to understand the severity of the situation and whether what is causing these values is related to the intake of excess protein or the elimination of uric acid by the kidneys.
Uric acid is the result of protein digestion, which is degraded into various substances, including purine, which results in uric acid, which is then eliminated in the urine.
However, in people with hyperuricaemia, this regulation of uric acid does not occur in a balanced way, which can result from excessive protein intake, through foods such as red meats, beans or shellfish, for example, and also from excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. , mainly beer, in addition to people who may have hereditary genetic alterations. , which therefore result in the production of high amounts of uric acid or kidney problems, which prevent the effective elimination of this substance.
Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperuricaemia and the person’s symptoms.
In moderate cases associated with excessive protein intake, treatment can only be done with dietary adjustments, reducing protein-rich foods, such as red meats, liver, shellfish, certain fish, beans, oats, and even beverages. alcoholic beverages, mainly beer. See the example of a menu to reduce uric acid.
In more serious situations, where joints weaken and gout attacks develop, it may be necessary to take medications such as allopurinol, which reduces uric acid in the blood, the probenecide, which helps reduce uric acid through urine, and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etoricoxib or celecoxib, that help reduce pain and swelling caused by uric acid buildup in the joints.
When kidney stones are formed, the pain that occurs can be very severe and sometimes the person has to go to the emergency room to receive painkillers. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that make it easier to remove kidney stones.
Watch the video below and discover other tips for controlling uric acid levels in your body: