Gout is a condition caused due to excess uric acid levels in the body. The uric acid in the blood can deposit as urate crystals in the joints. You must know that 1 out of 10 people suffering from chronic kidney disease have gout. Also, a higher percentage of people with gout have kidney disease. This correlation between these diseases is because hyperuricemia affects the functioning of kidneys, i.e. the glomerulus. Read on to know more about gout and kidney disease.
Gout May Cause Kidney Disease
According to doctors, gout may lead to kidney disease because excess uric acid levels make morphological changes to glomeruli.
When there is excess uric acid in your blood, it builds up in the form of urate crystals. When they pass through the kidneys, they can damage the glomeruli and scar the organ. Over time this leads to kidney disease, and if this is left untreated it can lead to organ failure. Pain is the most common symptom of this condition, and it can be managed using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Kidney Disease Can Cause Gout
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) that affects the functioning of kidneys can lead to gout. You should already know that kidneys filter out waste from the blood, and uric acid is a waste product. When this function is hindered, it causes the build-up of uric acid, which leads to the development of gout. Not only that, if this is not taken care of on time, it can worsen the CKD.
Living With Gout And Kidney Disease
Treatments can be difficult when you have kidney disease and gout. For instance, NSAIDs used in gout treatmentcan be harmful to kidneys. Also, medicines used for treating kidney disease like diuretics and beta-blockers can contribute to the development of gout. So, if you have both these diseases, it is important for you to communicate with your doctor about all the medicines that you take.
Tips For Living When You Have Both Gout And Kidney Disease
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow a diet that is low in purine-rich foods, high-fructose corn syrup containing food like sweets, and alcohol, especially beer.
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes.
- Take medicines according to the prescriptions.
These are some of the important points that you must keep in mind when you have both gout and kidney disease.
