7 lesser-known symptoms of high uric acid that can be mistaken for something else

High uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia, are often linked to gout and kidney stones. But this condition can also show up with mild symptoms that people often mistake for other health issues. It's important to know these less common signs so that you can get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

High levels of uric acid can cause skin problems that look like eczema or allergic reactions. These rashes are often red and itchy, which makes it easy to mistake them for common skin problems. If you have skin problems that won't go away and you don't know why, you should think about your uric acid levels.

Some people with high uric acid levels get low-grade fevers and aches all over their bodies. These symptoms can look like those of a viral infection, which can lead to a wrong diagnosis. If these symptoms keep coming back and there is no clear infection, it may be helpful to check your uric acid levels.

High uric acid levels can lead to stomach problems like bloating, indigestion, or pain. A lot of people think that eating too much or having acid reflux is what causes these problems. You should check your uric acid levels if you have digestive problems that won't go away and you don't know why.

Urate crystals can form when uric acid levels get too high. These crystals can settle in the peripheral nerves, which can make your feet tingle or go numb. People often confuse this symptom with neuropathy or nerve compression.

High uric acid levels can cause cognitive symptoms like mood swings, trouble focusing, and memory problems. People often think these signs are caused by stress or mental health problems, which can make it take longer to get the right treatment.

Gout is known for causing joint pain, but uric acid crystals can also build up in the spine and cause pain in the lower back. People often think that this pain is caused by muscle strain or problems with the spinal discs. Persistent back pain without a clear mechanical cause should prompt evaluation for hyperuricemia.

When there is too much uric acid in the body, it can form stones in the kidneys. Severe flank pain, nausea, and blood in the urine are some of the symptoms. People often blame these symptoms on other kinds of kidney stones or urinary tract infections, which could mean they don't think about uric acid's role.

If you think your uric acid is high, it is best to get yourself tested

Recognizing these unusual symptoms can help doctors find high uric acid levels sooner and treat them better, which can help avoid problems like gout and kidney disease. If you have any of these symptoms that don't go away, see a doctor for the right tests and advice.

Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Artemis Hospitals
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High uric acid levels can lead to health issues like gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by crystals building up in the joints. Risk factors for elevated uric acid include eating a diet rich in red meat, seafood, and sugary drinks, especially those with high fructose. Being overweight or obese also raises the risk, as does drinking too much alcohol. Certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes can increase uric acid levels too. Genetics play a role, and some medications can affect it as well. Managing diet, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight help keep uric acid in check.