High Uric Acid Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Take a Uric Acid Test
Over time, consistently high uric acid levels can lead to the formation of sharp crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. This condition is known as gout, a type of arthritis that causes sudden pain and inflammation. Excessive uric acid in the blood can cause kidney stones and worsen existing kidney issues.
Common causes of high uric acid
- A diet high in purines (such as red meat, organ meat, sardines)
- Kidney-related conditions
- Use of diuretics
- High alcohol intake
- Drinking too much soda
- Family history
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Medicines that suppress the immune system
- Blood disorders like leukemia
- Metabolic syndrome
- Intake of niacin (vitamin B3)
- Being overweight or obese
- Polycythemia vera
- Skin conditions like psoriasis
- Dehydration
Symptoms of a kidney stone
The symptoms of a kidney stone become apparent when the stone starts moving inside the kidneys and tries to pass through the ureters. These may include:
- Cloudy urine that smells unusual or contains blood
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Sharp pain the side or lower back
- Nausea or vomiting
If you reside in Delhi-NCR and are looking for a nearby diagnostic facility, then do an online search with keywords uric acid test near me to find suitable options.
Related medical conditions
Gout: High uric acid levels can lead to the buildup of crystal deposits in joints, also called gout. This condition is a sort of inflammation that causes pain in the joints. Episodes may last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Men are generally more prone to gout than women.
Cancer treatment: Certain treatments can cause the rapid breakdown of cells, causing uric acid levels to rise rapidly. This leads to a condition called tumour lysis syndrome.
Kidney disease: When kidney function is reduced, the body struggles to remove uric acid sufficiently. Over time, high levels of uric acid can damage the kidneys.
Fanconi syndrome: It is a rare kidney disorder where essential substances are improperly reabsorbed. It can cause fatigue, dehydration, bone issues, and sometimes unusually low uric acid levels due to excess loss in urine.
How is high uric acid evaluated?
To evaluate whether the patient has high uric acid levels, your doctor may suggest a blood test called the uric acid test. A trained phlebotomist will carry out the procedure. The phlebotomist will take out a blood sample using a needle in a quick and comfortable manner. For this test, usually no fasting is required, although you may be advised to avoid certain foods beforehand. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements that you are taking, as they may affect the results.
The test report will indicate the level of uric acid in your body, helping your doctor to decide the next steps, if needed.
Disclaimer: This information is for general purpose only. For personalised guidance, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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