A medical condition called hyperuricemia is defined by an increased blood level of uric acid. Purines are chemicals present in some foods and drinks that the body breaks down to produce uric acid as a waste product. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, travels via the kidneys to the urine, and then leaves the body through the urine. Hyperuricemia, on the other hand, can happen if there is too much uric acid in the body or if the kidneys are unable to remove enough of it. The body's overproduction of uric acid is the most frequent cause of hyperuricemia. Numerous factors, including heredity, nutrition, and specific medical problems, may contribute to this. Foods heavy in purines, like organ meats, red meat, and some seafood varieties, can raise blood levels of uric acid. Furthermore, consuming large amounts of alcohol—especially beer and liquor—can cause uric acid levels to rise. Reduced renal excretion of uric acid is another reason that can cause hyperuricemia. This may be brought on by illnesses like renal disease or drugs that prevent the kidneys from functioning normally. Because diuretics decrease the kidney's capacity to excrete uric acid, they can also lead to increased uric acid levels. Diuretics are drugs that increase the production of urine.In the early phases of the condition, hyperuricemia may not always have obvious symptoms. Urate crystals may form, nevertheless, if uric acid levels rise further. These crystals can build up in the joints and cause gout, a painful ailment. Abrupt and intense joint pain, edema, redness, and warmth are the hallmarks of gout. Long-term untreated hyperuricemia not only increases the risk of gout but also increases the risk of kidney stones, renal disease, and even cardiovascular disease. Thus, it's critical to check and control uric acid levels, particularly in those with risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of gout.Reducing uric acid levels and avoiding complications are the goals of treatment for hyperuricemia. This could entail making lifestyle adjustments including cutting back on alcohol, switching to a low-purine diet, drinking enough of water, and keeping a healthy weight. Prescription drugs may also include uricosuric medications, which aid in the kidneys' increased excretion of uric acid, or xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which lessen the synthesis of uric acid. In summary, hyperuricemia is a disorder marked by high blood uric acid levels, which is frequently brought on by either excessive uric acid production or reduced uric acid excretion. If left untreated, it might result in consequences like renal disease, kidney stones, and gout. Medication and lifestyle modifications are part of the management strategy to reduce uric acid levels and avoid related health issues.
