The Connection
One out of 10 people with chronic kidney disease also have gout.
Impaired kidney function can limit the body’s ability to filter out uric acid, which can build up and cause gout. Gout is caused by an excessive buildup of uric acid which deposits in the joints causing painful arthritis. While many people don’t know they have kidney disease early on, gout can be a warning sign. At the same time, gout can cause urate crystals that can damage the kidneys as they go through them. When uric acid is elevated in the blood, this can decrease the blood flow to the kidneys so they do not function normally. While kidneys recover well from injury, ongoing damage – like that from uncontrolled gout – can lead to irreversible disease.
Reducing the Risk
The first step in managing both conditions is visiting a health care provider. They will be able to help you get a diagnosis for each condition and prescribe treatment that will help.
Patients can make several lifestyle adjustments to improve their overall health, including:
- Knowing your level of uric acid in the blood. Normal levels are 6.0 mg/dl. Just like a regular blood pressure check, monitoring uric acid levels is important.
- Taking medications as prescribed to keep uric acid levels normal to reduce acute flairs of gout and prevent joint damage.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting the recommended amount of exercise
- Stopping smoking
- Staying hydrated
Some medications that work for gout may not be ideal for patients with kidney disease. Likewise, some medications that treat kidney disease can trigger gout attacks. If you know you have one or the other, make sure to share that information with your health care provider so they can adjust your treatment as necessary.
It’s important to know that diet modifications are not enough to treat gout. Medication that lowers uric acid levels is the only way to get gout under control.
Raising Awareness
Knowing this connection is essential in managing both gout and kidney disease. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about concerns you have with both conditions. Make sure to be open about your medical history. Your health care provider is your partner in navigating your health. They want to help you succeed.
If you ever feel like you aren’t being listened to, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. Rheumatologists are experts in managing gout. You are always your strongest advocate when it comes to your health. By speaking up and taking control of your gout and chronic kidney disease, you will be well on your way to managing both conditions successfully.
David Mandel, MD, is a retired doctor, who practiced adult rheumatology for more than 40 years in Northeast Ohio. He was co-founder and past president of the Ohio Association of Rheumatology and is a member of the Alliance for Gout Awareness.
