High uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia, doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms. However, when levels become significantly elevated, several issues can arise. The most well-known complication is gout, characterized by intensely painful joint inflammation. Other symptoms can include:
Common Symptoms of High Uric Acid
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Gout: This is the most common symptom of high uric acid. It involves sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in a joint, often the big toe. Mayo Clinic describes this as intense pain. The pain can be severe and debilitating.
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Kidney Stones: High uric acid can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, leading to sharp flank pain, nausea, vomiting, and an urgent need to urinate. Blood in the urine is also possible. Medical News Today mentions high uric acid as a cause for kidney stones.
Less Common Symptoms
While less frequent, other potential symptoms associated with high uric acid include:
- Tophi: These are deposits of uric acid crystals that form under the skin, appearing as hard lumps. These are more likely with long-term, untreated hyperuricemia.
Understanding the Root Cause
It's crucial to remember that high uric acid itself may not always cause symptoms. The symptoms arise from complications like gout and kidney stones. Elevated uric acid levels are often a result of factors such as diet high in purines (found in red meat and seafood), excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications (like diuretics), and underlying medical conditions. University of Rochester Medical Center points out that diet and medication can raise uric acid levels.
