Hyperuricemia

Overview

Hyperuricemia is an elevated blood uric acid level caused by overproduction and/or reduced excretion of uric acid. It is a chronic metabolic disorder resulting from disturbed purine metabolism.

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic
• Joint discomfort
• Fatigue
• Urinary stones
• Joint swelling and redness
• Low back pain

Treatment

Managed mainly through lifestyle interventions such as a low-purine diet, increased fluid intake, and weight control. Persistently elevated uric acid or accompanying gout may require urate-lowering drugs (such as allopurinol or febuxostat). Monitor blood uric acid regularly.

Dietary advice

Follow a low-purine diet and limit animal organ meats, seafood, and beer. Drink plenty of water to promote uric acid excretion, and eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.