5 diseases that can increase uric acid

Uric acid is a byproduct created during the breakdown of purines in food and is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys and excreted through urine. However, when this process is interrupted, uric acid levels in the blood increase. Controlling high uric acid requires medication, diet changes, exercise and regular check-ups. Increased uric acid can also be a sign of certain diseases.

Gout

Gout is a common condition associated with high levels of uric acid in the blood. This form of arthritis is caused by uric acid crystals deposited in the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, redness and edema. The disease often has a sudden onset and can be very serious.

Diagnosis is usually based on testing blood uric acid levels and joint fluid analysis to identify crystal deposits. Treatment includes taking medications to reduce uric acid and limiting foods rich in purines such as seafood, offal, red meat…

Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease reduces the ability to remove uric acid from the blood, leading to increased uric acid levels. This condition can cause gout or kidney stone formation. A uric acid test helps evaluate kidney function and determine the cause of increased uric acid.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of factors that increase cardiovascular risk and type 2 diabetes. The main cause is insulin resistance. Cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to high blood sugar, forcing the pancreas to produce more insulin and sometimes increasing uric acid. This syndrome is often accompanied by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medications to control risk factors.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not secrete enough thyroid hormone, potentially causing metabolic abnormalities such as increased uric acid in the blood. Thyroid hormones are involved in purine metabolism and when they are deficient, purine metabolism is affected, leading to higher uric acid levels. Some signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, obesity, and sensitivity to cold.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal, forming thick layers of skin. This condition is characterized by systemic inflammation and can affect uric acid metabolism and cause increased levels of this waste product. Inflammation in psoriasis can worsen or cause gout because both diseases involve uric acid formation.