What High Uric Acid Means, When To Treat It

A viewer says they have high uric acid, according to a recent lab they had done. Dr. Lacey Anderson has information on causes and treatments for high uric acid.

A high uric acid level can cause gout and certain types of kidney stones. 

High uric acid levels can sometimes form crystals which can be deposited in a joint and cause the joint to become painful and inflamed. Sometimes the crystals can form kidney stones as well.  

For people who have symptoms caused by high uric acid levels, such as gout, we often treat with steroids and anti-inflammatory medications to help with the pain and inflammation. We can also start a daily medication such as allopurinol to help lower uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.  

Diets high in red meats and beer can also increase uric acid levels so be sure to avoid those if possible. But if you have no symptoms at all and this was just detected in a screening lab, no treatment is needed. Be sure and discuss this with your doctor as well.