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What Does High Uric Acid Level Indicate?
Question: I have a uric acid reading of 8.2, had been as high as 9.5. Don't think I have had an episode of pain in toe or otherwise. I do have joint pain, but I am about 50 pounds overweight. I eat a fair amount of seafood, and some red meat, am a big protein eater. Is the uric acid reading alone enough to start an anti gout medicine.
Brief Answer:
High uric acid level may lead to hypertension etc.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing
After going through your query, the joint pain may be due to osteoarthritis beside raised uric acid. The best way to confirm is to test the fluid aspirated from joint for uric acid crystal.
You need to reduce the uric acid level to below 6 mg/dl as higher the uric acid level more are the chances of Diabetes, kidney stone and hypertension in the long run. Therefore it is my suggestion to have drugs which lower the uric acid like- allopurinol and febuxostat.
These are prescription only drugs so you may have to contact your local doctor. When the patient is put on allopurinol there may be increase in pain (acute flare up).To counter this pain patient is given anti inflammatory and analgesic drugs along with allopurinol for a month or so. This point should be understood.
In addition to medication, the following suggestion may help --
1. Plenty of water -A lack of water in your body can makes your uric acid levels raise even higher than they already are. Drinking water will help your body stabilize uric acid to a normal level.
2. Dietary advice- The Purines, which are chemicals found in some food, when they are taken in food are broken down into uric acid. A diet rich in purines can raise uric acid levels in the body, Meat and seafood may increase your risk of gout along with Beer. Dairy products may lower your risk.
Hope this Information suffices.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query
Regards
High uric acid level may lead to hypertension etc.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing
After going through your query, the joint pain may be due to osteoarthritis beside raised uric acid. The best way to confirm is to test the fluid aspirated from joint for uric acid crystal.
You need to reduce the uric acid level to below 6 mg/dl as higher the uric acid level more are the chances of Diabetes, kidney stone and hypertension in the long run. Therefore it is my suggestion to have drugs which lower the uric acid like- allopurinol and febuxostat.
These are prescription only drugs so you may have to contact your local doctor. When the patient is put on allopurinol there may be increase in pain (acute flare up).To counter this pain patient is given anti inflammatory and analgesic drugs along with allopurinol for a month or so. This point should be understood.
In addition to medication, the following suggestion may help --
1. Plenty of water -A lack of water in your body can makes your uric acid levels raise even higher than they already are. Drinking water will help your body stabilize uric acid to a normal level.
2. Dietary advice- The Purines, which are chemicals found in some food, when they are taken in food are broken down into uric acid. A diet rich in purines can raise uric acid levels in the body, Meat and seafood may increase your risk of gout along with Beer. Dairy products may lower your risk.
Hope this Information suffices.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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