What Are the Dangers of Too Much Uric Acid?

Hyperuricemia occurs when the body produces high levels or fails to remove the right amount of uric acid, which can make you ill. When your body takes in uric acid, it is dissolved into the bloodstream. It is then absorbed by the kidneys and secreted through urination.

Risk Factors

• The body can produce too much uric acid if you take regular doses of aspirin, consume alcohol regularly or have a family history of hyperuricemia.

Crystals

• Uric acid crystals typically take years to form and thus cause serious problems. However, when they do, they can result in kidney stones, gout and kidney failure.

Diagnosis

• Hyperuricemia is diagnosed after a high uric acid concentration is found in blood tests. According to Chemocare, "Normal uric acid levels are 2.4-6.0 mg/dL (female) and 3.4-7.0 mg/dL (male)."

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hyperuricemia may include joint pain (gout), fever, chills and fatigue. Additionally, some individuals may display kidney problems, such as difficulty when urinating, or develop kidney stones.

Treatment

• Treatment for hyperuricemia may include anti-inflammatory medications, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and eating a low-purine diet.