Guide
Hyperuricemia is one of the common metabolic diseases in modern people, and if it is not controlled for a long time, it may cause urate nephropathy. Understanding the five major symptoms and preventing them in time is crucial to protecting kidney health.
Definition of urate nephropathy
Urate nephropathy is a series of lesions caused by long-term hyperuricemia, which leads to the deposition of urate in the kidneys. In this case, urate crystals can damage kidney tissue, which can affect kidney function. Medical research in mainland China has pointed out that the incidence of urate nephropathy has gradually increased in recent years, and it has become the third largest chronic kidney disease after diabetes and hypertension.
Five major symptoms of urate nephropathy
1. Low back pain
Pain or swelling in the lower back, sometimes radiating to the perineum.
2. Proteinuria
The presence of protein in the urine may be a sign of impaired urine filtration.
3. Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine may be a sign of damage to the glomeruli or tubules.
4. Edema
Due to the decrease in the drainage function of the kidneys, water accumulates in the body, and edema of the face, lower limbs, etc. occurs.
5. Renal function decreases
The kidneys' ability to excrete metabolic wastes and regulate water and electrolyte balance decreases, which may lead to azotemia, electrolyte imbalances, and other problems.
How to prevent and treat urate nephropathy
1. Regularly monitor blood uric acid levels
Regular monitoring of blood uric acid levels can help to understand changes in the condition and the effectiveness of treatment, detect and manage abnormalities in a timely manner, and it is recommended to have a blood uric acid test at least once a year.
2. Regularly review renal function indicators
Urate nephropathy may lead to renal impairment, so regular retesting of renal function markers (eg, creatinine, urea nitrogen, etc.) is necessary. This helps to detect and treat cases of kidney damage in a timely manner.
3. Urate-lowering drugs
Patients with persistently elevated uric acid levels can be treated with urate-lowering drugs under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly used urate-lowering drugs include drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis (e.g., allopurinol) and drugs that promote uric acid excretion (benzbromarone).
Note that drugs that promote uric acid excretion may cause uric acid crystals to clog the renal tubules and worsen renal lesions if renal insufficiency is present, so caution should be exercised.
4. Symptomatic treatment drugs
In the acute phase, such as during a gout attack, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids may be used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, it is important to note that these drugs will have long-term side effects, such as gastrointestinal reactions, changes in blood sugar and blood pressure, etc.
5. Maintain adequate water intake
The daily water intake should reach 2000-3000 ml, which helps to dilute the uric acid concentration in the urine and promote uric acid excretion. Drinking water before bedtime can also help increase nocturia, which can help pass small stones and control infection.
6. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can enhance cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength, improve blood circulation and metabolic efficiency, and help the excretion of uric acid. It is recommended to do aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming for 30-60 minutes/day, and be consistent.