What Happens If Uric Acid Is High in Urine? Causes, Symptoms (Best Explained)

What Happens If Uric Acid Is High in Urine? Causes, Symptoms – Hyperuricosuria or excess uric acid in the urine is one such issue that is being witnessed by the majority of the people in the society as a lifestyle, diet and metabolic alteration. Uric acid is a natural body product, which is, however, in excess in the form of urine, but this could be the sign of complications in health, which cannot be ignored.

The article shall provide the reasons, symptoms, complications, medications, diets, and how to prevent overabundance of uric acid in urine.

What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid production is the effect of the breakdown of the purines present in the body (purines are found in some foods like meat and fish and the body produces purines).

The kidneys are more likely to eliminate the uric acid and excrete it through the urine.

However, it might cause several complications in case the level of uric acid is excessive.

What Happens If Uric Acid Is High in Urine?

The increased uric acid level might not result in the immediate symptoms; however, it is more likely to raise the risk of:

1. Kidney Stones

This is the most prevalent complication.

The uric acid crystals may amalgamate to produce kidney stones when formed in the urine.

Symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back or side which is sharp.
• Pain during urination
• Blood in urine
• Nausea or vomiting

2. Gout Flare-Ups

Despite the fact that high uric acid in the blood is related to gout, hyperuricosuria enhances the risk of the existence of crystals in joints.

Symptoms:

• Sudden severe joint pain
• Redness and swelling
• Preponderately attacks the big toe.

3. Kidney Function Damage

Incessant high uric acid can overwork the renal organ, and result in:

• Reduced kidney filtration
• Chronic kidney disease
• The rise in the concentration of creatinine.

4. Urinary Tract Irritation

Uric acid on crystals may irritate the urinary pathways resulting in:

• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation
• Foul smell or turbidity of urine.

Key Symptoms of High Uric Acid in Urine

Most individuals do not show any symptoms until the complications develop. But possible signs include:

• Back or abdominal pain
• Burning urination
• Urinary urgency
• In the urine, there is blood or crystal.
• Swollen joints (where gout is stimulated by it)

Causes of High Uric Acid in Urine

A number of dietary and health factors enhance the production of uric acid, they include:

Excess Purine Intake

Foods high in purines:

• Red meat
• Organ meats
• Fish (sardines, anchovies, mackerel)
• Lentils, peas, beans
• Mushrooms, cauliflower

Sugary Drinks

Fructose-sweetened beverages increase uric acid levels.

Alcohol Consumption

Especially beer and whisky.

Being Overweight

Obesity elevates production of purine and makes the kidneys ineffective.

Certain Medical Conditions

• Metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Kidney disorders

Medications

• Diuretics
• Immunosuppressants

Diagnosis: How High Uric Acid Is Detected

Doctors may check:

• 24-hour urine uric acid test
• Serum uric acid test
• Function tests on kidney (creatinine, eGFR)
• Ultrasound when there is a suspicion of the presence of stones.

Normal urine uric acid: 250–750 mg/day 

 Final Words

Increased uric acid level in urine is not something that should be overlooked. Kidney stones, gout and kidney damage can be prevented by early lifestyle management. The condition is easily manageable with proper diet, hydration and occasional use of medication.