Can hyperuricemia be cured?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease caused by disorders in purine metabolism and is clinically divided into primary and secondary categories. Primary hyperuricemia is caused by congenital abnormalities in purine metabolism and is often associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. Secondary hyperuricemia, on the other hand, is caused by certain systemic diseases or medications. Therefore, whether hyperuricemia can be cured depends on the underlying condition, and the efficacy of treatment cannot be generalized. For hyperuricemia caused by medications or systemic diseases, it can be cured by treating the disease or discontinuing the medication. However, for hyperuricemia caused by congenital abnormalities in purine metabolism, it can be clinically managed by controlling diet and medication, but it is not curable.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Dietary Guidance for Hyperuricemia

For hyperuricemia, it is generally recommended to adopt a low-calorie diet, control weight, and try to maintain an ideal weight. Secondly, avoid high-purine foods and opt for a diet low in purines. The third point encourages the use of some alkaline medications and strict abstinence from alcohol. The fourth point is to reduce the intake of fructose-rich beverages. The fifth point is to avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, cocoa, and other such beverages. The sixth point emphasizes the need to drink more water, recommending a daily water intake of at least 2000 milliliters.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Treatment of Hyperuricemia with Medication

The treatment of hyperuricemia primarily involves dietary control, focusing on low-purine foods, increasing water intake, and maintaining regular exercise. Additionally, alkalizing the urine using sodium bicarbonate to keep the urine pH between 6.2 and 6.9 can help facilitate the excretion of uric acid. It's also important to avoid medications that can increase uric acid levels. For reducing uric acid, treatments mainly include probenecid, which can increase the excretion of uric acid, and febuxostat, an alternative to allopurinol, though side effects of these medications should be noted. Therefore, it is advised for patients with hyperuricemia to consult a doctor at a reputable hospital before taking any medications.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Can people with hyperuricemia eat eggs?

In the case of hyperuricemia, we primarily recommend a low-purine diet to prevent the onset of gouty arthritis. As for the nutritional content of eggs, they are considered a food with a moderate level of purines. Therefore, when uric acid levels are relatively high, it is still possible to consume them in moderation. Aside from diet, it is also necessary to drink plenty of water or to alkalize the urine using baking soda tablets even if there is a transient increase in blood uric acid levels. If sufficient water is consumed, it is less likely for deposits to form in the joints. If deposits do not easily form, it also relatively reduces the possibility of triggering inflammatory responses, thus preventing the occurrence of gouty arthritis. Therefore, it is possible to consume an appropriate amount of eggs, but it is also important to drink plenty of water and appropriately alkalize the urine.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia and Its Complications

Hyperuricemia mainly refers to the elevation of uric acid levels in the blood, with levels exceeding 420 umol/l in males and 360 umol/l in females being diagnostic criteria. Some patients with hyperuricemia may not show symptoms, but if not controlled, complications can arise such as gouty arthritis, which manifests as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even limited mobility. If it affects the kidneys, it leads to gouty kidney, which is characterized by abnormal kidney function and elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, if diagnosed with hyperuricemia, it is advisable to control diet, drink plenty of water, and seek timely medical treatment.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
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Hyperuricemia Clinical Symptoms

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.