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Is hyperuricemia associated with gout?
In this article, we will answer whether or not hyperuricemia is associated with gout, a common question for people suffering from one or the other. We will answer a number of questions about both conditions including what they both are, what uric acid is, whether uric acid is linked to the development of gout, and, of course, whether or not hyperuricemia is associated with gout. As well as answering these questions, we will provide you with information about treatment options that may be useful for people suffering from one of these conditions.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a substance formed in our bodies when they break down purines, which are natural compounds found in cells and many foods (Rath, 2022). While it's mainly removed by our kidneys, uric acid isn't just waste. It plays a role in our health, both good and bad. When uric acid levels exceed 7 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in those assigned male at birth or 6 mg/dL in those assigned female at birth, it's considered high. On the other hand, levels below 2 mg/dL are deemed low.
What is hyperuricemia?
Hyperuricemia happens when there's an excess of uric acid in the blood. Although it typically doesn't show any symptoms on its own, it is typically a precursor for conditions like gout or kidney stones. Normally, the kidneys filter out uric acid from the blood. However, when uric acid levels soar too high, the kidneys might struggle to keep up, leading to hyperuricemia (Kandola & Goodwin, 2020).
What is gout?
Gout is a painful condition that occurs when tiny crystals called urate accumulate in your joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain during a gout attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. These crystals form when there's too much uric acid in your bloodstream. Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down purines, which are naturally present in your body and certain foods like red meat, organ meats (such as liver), and certain types of seafood like anchovies and mussels. As previously mentioned, high levels of uric acid are known as hyperuricemia.
Gout can also be caused by a number of other factors. Drinking alcohol, particularly beer, and consuming beverages sweetened with fruit sugar, which is known as fructose, can also contribute to higher levels of uric acid.
How is uric acid linked to gout?
NHS Inform states that uric acid and gout are closely linked. When there's an excess of uric acid in the blood, either due to overproduction or inadequate elimination by the kidneys, it can lead to the formation of tiny, sharp crystals in and around the joints. These crystals are responsible for triggering gout attacks, causing inflammation and intense pain in the affected joints. In essence, elevated uric acid levels contribute to the formation of urate crystals, which are the primary cause of gout flare-ups and the symptoms associated with gout.
Is hyperuricemia associated with gout?
Yes, hyperuricemia is indeed associated with gout. Research indicates that having high levels of uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia, increases the risk of developing gout. While not all individuals with hyperuricemia will experience gout flares, and some with gout may have normal uric acid levels, hyperuricemia remains a significant risk factor for the condition (Zhang, 2021).
Hyperuricemia not only increases individual risk of gout but also other conditions including nephrolithiasis, which is the formation of kidney stones. Although treatment may not be necessary for asymptomatic patients with hyperuricemia, identifying and addressing underlying causes of elevated uric acid levels can be beneficial (Harris et al, 1999). Gout is recognised as the most common consequence of hyperuricemia and is characterised by intense pain and inflammation (George et al, 2023).
In summary, hyperuricemia, marked by excessive uric acid in the blood, is closely linked to the development of gout. While not everyone with hyperuricemia will develop gout, it significantly increases the risk of experiencing gout attacks and related complications such as kidney stones (Morris & Lou, 2023).
Which gout treatments are available at UK Meds?
If you are suffering from gout, you want to get the treatments that you need as easily as possible. By using an online provider like UK Meds, you can get the medications you need for the condition you have without ever having to leave the house. To purchase gout medications from UK Meds you will need to complete our free online consultation that deems whether or not the medication is right for you. If your consultation is approved then you will be given a free private prescription that allows you to complete your purchase.
The gout treatments that you can purchase from UK Meds include:
Allopurinol - Reduce the amount of uric acid your body produces.
Colchicine - Treats and calms symptoms of gout.
Naproxen for Gout - Used to provide pain relief in people suffering from gout.
Diclofenac for Gout - Used for the relief of pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis or gout.
At UK Meds, you can purchase a number of medications on a subscription basis. This is the case with the gout medication Allopurinol. Buying your medication on a subscription provides our customers with a number of different benefits. Not only will you be able to take control of your health and medication whilst saving time and money, but you will also be able to take advantage of discounts and partnerships exclusive to UK Meds Plus subscribers.
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