Are hyperuricemia and high uric acid the same thing?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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Firstly, hyperuricemia and high uric acid levels refer to the same concept, defined as blood uric acid levels greater than 420. This condition is described as asymptomatic hyperuricemia, which does not require special treatment at this stage, but it does necessitate changes in lifestyle habits such as abstaining from alcohol, avoiding eating animal organs, seafood, and high-protein foods, not drinking carbonated beverages, and losing weight if obese, to help control body weight. After changing these lifestyle habits, a recheck of the uric acid levels should be done in two weeks to see if there has been a decrease. If the levels have not decreased at that time, sodium bicarbonate tablets can be used to alkalinize the urine. Additionally, increasing water intake to promote the excretion of uric acid and monitoring the dynamic changes in uric acid levels are needed. Once joint pain occurs, which indicates an acute gout attack, proper uric acid-lowering medication is required. (Please undergo medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate blindly.)

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia treatment agent

Currently, the main treatments for hyperuricemia in clinical practice include the following types. One category is drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis, primarily allopurinol and febuxostat. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which mainly works by preventing the conversion of hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase. Febuxostat, on the other hand, is a newer xanthine oxidase inhibitor and may be more effective than allopurinol in lowering blood uric acid levels. Another category includes drugs that promote the excretion of uric acid, suitable for patients with normal renal function and hyperuricemia. These mainly include probenecid, benzbromarone, and some use of thiazide diuretics, though their effectiveness for hyperuricemia is somewhat controversial. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What should be noted for hyperuricemia?

Firstly, hyperuricemia is just found during routine physical examinations or blood tests, showing an increase in blood uric acid levels without the occurrence of gout attacks, meaning there are no symptoms of joint pain. At this time, there is no need for special medication, which means uric acid-lowering drugs are not required. However, you need to be cautious and change your lifestyle habits. For example, abstaining from alcohol, controlling the intake of animal organs, seafood, and barbecued foods. Additionally, drinking more water is necessary, and for overweight individuals, controlling weight and losing weight are important considerations. Also, you should avoid intense physical activities as they can trigger gout attacks, but this doesn't mean no exercise at all; slow walking and swimming are fine.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What foods to eat for hyperuricemia?

Dietary requirements for hyperuricemia primarily include a low-purine diet, avoiding foods high in purines. It's important to recognize which foods are high in purines, such as seafood and certain fish, which should be avoided. Secondly, some mushrooms and soy products also have higher levels of purines and should be consumed less frequently. Thirdly, alcohol, especially spirits and beer, must be avoided. Fourthly, one should avoid consuming rich, slow-cooked broths as they also contain high levels of purines. Lastly, it is recommended to drink more water, typically between 1500ml to 2000ml daily.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How should one with hyperuricemia adjust their diet?

For the diet of hyperuricemia, it is generally recommended to follow a low-purine diet. What is a low-purine diet? First, try to avoid consuming seafood, animal organs, and other seafood products that contain high purines. Second, it is advised to abstain from alcohol, especially spirits and beer, and it is best not to drink them at all. Third, drink plenty of water, ensuring a daily intake of at least 1500 to 2000 milliliters. Fourth, it is also recommended to avoid consuming traditional long-cooked soups and hotpots.