Hyperuricemia Clinical Symptoms

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Some patients with hyperuricemia may not have any symptoms, and only discover elevated uric acid levels during a physical examination. However, some patients may experience gouty arthritis, manifesting as redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a localized joint, commonly in the joints of the toes. It may also affect joints like the ankle and elbow. Additionally, some patients may develop gouty nephropathy, leading to renal insufficiency. Therefore, hyperuricemia should be taken seriously to prevent severe conditions such as gouty arthritis and other serious symptoms associated with gout.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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What fruits to eat for hyperuricemia?

For patients with hyperuricemia, we generally need to limit the intake of high-purine foods, such as crab and animal offal. Moderate consumption of medium-purine foods, such as meats and fish, is acceptable. Low-purine foods like vegetables, fruits, milk, and eggs can be safely consumed. For example, fruits like grapes, pears, grapefruits, kiwis, and dragon fruits are all acceptable to eat. However, many patients with hyperuricemia also have other metabolic abnormalities, such as high blood sugar. In such cases, it is important to monitor the quantity of fruit intake because excessive consumption can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Therefore, fruits can be safely consumed by those with hyperuricemia, but attention must be paid to any additional metabolic abnormalities that may be present.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Is hyperuricemia contagious?

Hyperuricemia is not contagious. Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the concentration of uric acid in the blood exceeds the normal upper limit. Typically, for males and post-menopausal females, a blood uric acid concentration greater than 420 µmol/L, or pre-menopausal females with more than 348 µmol/L, is considered hyperuricemia. Most severe cases of hyperuricemia are due to deficiencies in uric acid metabolism enzymes and fall under the category of liver metabolism disorders. Moreover, mild to moderate hyperuricemia is often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease, among others. It is a type of nucleic acid metabolic disease, and therefore, it is not contagious.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How is hyperuricemia caused?

Hyperuricemia is mostly asymptomatic, meaning there are no uncomfortable symptoms. It is usually discovered during physical examinations or blood tests when the uric acid level is found to be elevated, around 420, which is considered hyperuricemia. What causes it? It is mainly caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as long periods of drinking alcohol, excessive intake of animal organs, seafood, barbecue, and too much protein intake. Additionally, some people may develop high uric acid levels due to prolonged use of diuretics. When hyperuricemia occurs, it is essential to change lifestyle habits, but at this time, no special medication treatment is needed.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Can people with hyperuricemia drink alcohol?

Patients with hyperuricemia are advised to avoid drinking alcohol. Especially liquors such as baijiu and beer, which have high purine content, are contraindicated for patients with hyperuricemia. Furthermore, if hyperuricemia is diagnosed with high levels of uric acid, one should abstain from alcohol, and also pay attention to diet by avoiding foods high in purines to prevent complications such as gouty arthritis and gouty kidney.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Symptoms of hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia, some people are asymptomatic, while others may present various symptoms. Commonly, it first affects the joints, resulting in gouty arthritis, characterized by local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain. This most frequently involves the metatarsophalangeal joints of the feet, as well as the ankle and wrist joints. Secondly, gout can lead to gouty nephropathy, accompanied by renal insufficiency. Thirdly, it can cause gouty rheumatism, leading to joint mobility impairment. Therefore, it is essential to prevent hyperuricemia in a timely manner to avoid complications such as gouty arthritis, gouty nephropathy, and gouty rheumatism.