What causes too much uric acid in the blood?
• The body may produce too much uric acid due to a genetic defect or certain diseases such as cancer / blood disorders. • The kidneys do not eliminate enough uric acid. • Dehydration. • Consumption of some medications increase uric acid levels eg diuretics • Rapid weight loss causing the breakdown of muscle mass and increase in free purines. • A diet too high in alcohol and protein and purine rich foods. Who has symptoms? Only 10% to 20% of people with high levels of uric acid develop the symptoms of gout. This usually occurs before tophi or kidney stones develop. These sudden attacks are sometimes related to physical illness, trauma, or excessive alcohol intake. How is gout diagnosed? It is suspected if you have an inflamed toe joint and / or a high blood uric acid (above 0.44 for men and 0.38 mmol/l for women. There are anti-inflammatory drugs that are effective for gouty arthritis that your doctor may prescribe. Can diet help? Diet can be of assistance. It still may be necessary to
