By Biopassion Diagnostics
Have you ever woken up with a swollen, burning big toe that you could hardly put your foot down on? Or has your doctor mentioned that your uric acid level is high? You are not alone. High uric acid is common, and it often goes unnoticed until it causes pain.
The good news is that a simple blood test can show your uric acid level. With early action, you can protect your joints and kidneys.
This guide explains what uric acid is, what a normal uric acid level looks like, why it rises, and how to bring it down safely.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a natural waste product. Your body makes it when it breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in your own cells, and also in many foods and drinks.
Most uric acid dissolves in your blood. It then travels to the kidneys, which remove it through urine. Problems start when your body makes too much uric acid, or when your kidneys cannot clear enough of it. A high level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricaemia.
When the level stays high for a long time, uric acid can form tiny, sharp crystals. These crystals settle in joints and sometimes in the kidneys.
What is a normal uric acid level?
A common reference range for uric acid in the blood is 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL. In the units many laboratories in Kenya use, that is about 208 to 428 µmol/L.
However, normal ranges differ slightly between laboratories. They also vary with sex and age. Women usually have lower levels than men before menopause. Therefore, always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report, and discuss it with your doctor.
For people being treated for gout, doctors often aim for a level below 6 mg/dL (about 357 µmol/L). In some cases, they aim even lower.
What causes high uric acid?
Several factors can push your uric acid level up.
Food and drink
- Red meat and organ meats. Liver, kidney and similar foods are high in purines. Large portions of nyama choma add up quickly.
- Some seafood. Sardines, anchovies and small fish such as omena are rich in purines.
- Alcohol. Beer and spirits raise uric acid, and they also make it harder for the kidneys to clear it.
- Sugary drinks. Sodas and sweetened juices contain fructose, which can increase uric acid production.
Body and health factors
- Overweight and obesity. Extra weight raises production and reduces clearance.
- Kidney disease. Weak kidneys remove less uric acid.
- High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. These conditions often occur together with high uric acid.
- Family history. Genes strongly influence your level.
- Rapid weight loss, crash diets and prolonged fasting.
- Certain medical conditions and treatments. These include psoriasis and some cancer treatments, which destroy cells quickly.
- Some medicines. Water tablets (diuretics) and low dose aspirin can raise uric acid. Never stop a medicine without your doctor’s advice.
Symptoms of high uric acid
Many people with high uric acid feel perfectly well. Doctors sometimes find it by chance on a routine blood test. In others, the first sign is a gout attack.
Gout
Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals in a joint. Typical signs include:
- Sudden, severe pain, often at night
- Swelling, redness and warmth over the joint
- A joint so tender that even a bedsheet feels painful
- The big toe is the most common site, but ankles, knees, wrists and fingers can also be affected
An attack can last several days to a couple of weeks. Without treatment and prevention, attacks tend to return, and joints can slowly become damaged.
Kidney problems
Uric acid can also form kidney stones. Warning signs include severe pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, and pain when passing urine. Over time, high uric acid may also be linked with kidney damage.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have:
- A hot, swollen, very painful joint, especially with fever
- Repeated joint attacks
- Severe back or side pain, or blood in your urine
- Lumps under the skin near joints, which can be a sign of long standing gout
- A high uric acid result on a routine test
A hot, swollen joint with fever needs urgent attention, because infection can look similar to gout.
How is uric acid tested?
The uric acid test is simple. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The laboratory then measures the amount of uric acid in the blood.
Sometimes your doctor may also request a urine uric acid test. It shows how much uric acid your body passes out, which can help explain kidney stones or guide treatment.
How to prepare
- Ask the laboratory whether you need to fast. Some tests are done fasting, while others are not.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Avoid very large, rich meals the day before.
- Tell the lab and your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take. Many medicines can affect the result.
Understanding your result
- Within the reference range: Your level is normal. However, a normal result does not completely rule out gout, because levels can look normal during an attack. Your doctor may repeat the test later.
- Above the range: You have hyperuricaemia. Your doctor will look at your symptoms, kidney health and other risks before deciding on the next step.
- Below the range: This is less common. It is often caused by a low purine diet, certain medicines or other conditions, and it is usually not harmful.
A high result does not automatically mean you need medicine. Your doctor will look at the whole picture.
Other tests that go with uric acid
High uric acid often travels with other health risks. For this reason, doctors may order additional tests:
- Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea and eGFR). They show how well your kidneys clear waste.
- Urinalysis. It checks for blood, protein and crystals in the urine.
- Lipid profile. It measures cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Blood glucose or HbA1c. They check for diabetes.
- Full blood count and inflammation markers (such as CRP or ESR). They help detect inflammation.
- Joint fluid analysis. A doctor may take a sample of fluid from a swollen joint to look for uric acid crystals. This confirms gout.
How to lower uric acid levels naturally
Small steady changes can make a real difference.
- Drink plenty of water. It helps your kidneys flush out uric acid. Aim to drink regularly through the day.
- Limit alcohol. Beer and spirits are the biggest culprits. If you do drink, keep it moderate.
- Cut down on sugary drinks. Choose water, unsweetened tea or fresh fruit instead of soda.
- Watch your portions of red and organ meat. Enjoy smaller portions, and add more beans, lentils and vegetables.
- Go easy on small fish and seafood such as sardines and omena, if your uric acid is high or you have gout.
- Eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Include low fat dairy such as milk or yoghurt, which is linked with lower uric acid.
- Reach a healthy weight gradually. Avoid crash diets and long fasting, because rapid weight loss can raise uric acid.
- Stay active. Regular exercise supports healthy weight, blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Review your medicines with your doctor.
Treatment: what doctors can do
Lifestyle changes help, but some people also need medicine. Your doctor may prescribe:
- Medicines for a gout attack. These ease pain and inflammation.
- Long term urate lowering medicines. They bring your uric acid level down and prevent future attacks.
Please do not self medicate with painkillers or herbal mixtures. Do not start or stop long term medicines without medical advice. Also note that uric acid can briefly worsen when treatment begins, so follow your doctor’s plan closely.
Common myths about uric acid
- “Only rich food causes gout.” Not true. Genes, kidney function, weight and drinks matter too.
- “Gout only affects older men.” Not true. Women, especially after menopause, and younger adults can get it.
- “If I have no pain, my uric acid is fine.” Not true. Many people with high levels have no symptoms.
- “A normal result means I can never have gout.” Not true. Levels can appear normal during an attack.
- “Herbal remedies can cure it.” Not true. Some remedies are not proven, and some can harm your kidneys.
How often should you check your uric acid level?
If you have gout, kidney stones or kidney disease, your doctor will tell you how often to test. Many people are checked every few months until they reach their target, and then at regular intervals. If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or a family history of gout, ask your doctor whether a yearly check is right for you.
Take charge with Biopassion Diagnostics
Knowing your numbers is the first step towards protecting your joints and kidneys. At Biopassion Diagnostics, we are a patient centred medical laboratory in Nairobi, Kenya, accredited by KMLTTB. We offer wellness screening and specialised laboratory services with timely, accurate results and convenient sample collection.
Talk to us about a uric acid test, along with related tests such as kidney function tests, lipid profile and HbA1c. You can then share your results with your doctor.
Call or WhatsApp: +254 704 150 555 (0704 150 555)
Website: www.biopassiondiagnostics.com
Your Health IS OUR PASSION.
This article is for education only. It does not replace advice from your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal uric acid level?
A common reference range is 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL, which is about 208 to 428 µmol/L. Ranges vary slightly between laboratories, and between men and women, so check the range on your own report.
What causes high uric acid?
Common causes include a diet rich in red meat, organ meats, some seafood, alcohol and sugary drinks. Overweight, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history and certain medicines can also raise it.
Do I need to fast for a uric acid test?
It depends on the laboratory and your doctor’s instructions. Ask when you book. In general, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test and tell the lab about your medicines.
Does high uric acid always cause gout?
No. Many people have high uric acid and never develop gout. However, a high level raises the risk, so it is worth discussing with your doctor.
How can I lower my uric acid naturally?
Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol and sugary drinks, reduce red and organ meat, eat more vegetables and whole grains, and lose weight gradually. Some people still need medicine, so follow your doctor’s advice.