What Are the Risks Associated with High Uric Acid Levels in Young People?

High uric acid levels are commonly observed in middle-aged and elderly individuals, but they are also occurring in younger populations, with an increasing number of cases. Elevated uric acid in young people can lead to acute uric acid nephropathy, chronic uric acid nephropathy, uric acid nephrolithiasis, and kidney stones. Both young and old individuals need to address high uric acid levels promptly and cannot afford to neglect them. Long-term elevation of uric acid requires scientific treatment and regulation to reduce its levels.

1. Acute uric acid nephropathy is caused by a rapid increase in uric acid production in the body, often leading to acute renal failure.

2. Chronic uric acid nephropathy can manifest as low back pain, increased nocturia, polyuria, and hypertension. Urine examination may reveal trace amounts of proteinuria and hematuria. However, it's worth noting that many of these patients may not exhibit any symptoms until severe kidney damage or even uremia is present.

3. The incidence of kidney stones in gout patients is much higher than in the general population. The higher the blood uric acid level, the greater the risk of kidney stones. Conversely, if you have kidney stones, it's important to check your blood uric acid levels.

4. Kidney stone patients often experience intermittent pain in the waist and upper abdomen, radiating to the ipsilateral groin, testicles, or labia majora. Reddish-brown fish-egg-like stones may be expelled in the urine, but half of the patients may not have any symptoms. Urine examination may reveal hematuria, and pyuria may be present in cases of concurrent urinary tract infection. Large stones can cause renal pelvis hydronephrosis, leading to obstructive nephropathy.

1. Diet: High uric acid levels in young people are closely related to diet. Consuming foods with high purine content, such as animal organs and bone marrow, can promote the occurrence of high uric acid. High-calorie and high-protein foods can also lead to elevated uric acid levels. During periods of high uric acid, it's important to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

2. Medications: High uric acid levels in young people can also be related to medication. Many medications can affect human health. For example, some people may regularly take antihypertensive drugs or chemotherapy drugs. Incorrect usage of these drugs can also lead to high uric acid levels. It's recommended to follow medical advice and not take medication without authorization or increase dosages.

3. Diseases: High uric acid levels in young people can also be associated with diseases. Patients with renal insufficiency or renal diseases may also experience elevated uric acid levels. The kidneys' primary function is to excrete waste products from the body. However, when kidney function is severely impaired, high uric acid levels cannot be effectively eliminated, leading to harmful accumulation in the body.