Have you ever had a urine test and been told that you had uric acid crystals in your urine? If so, you're probably wondering what they are and what they mean. Read on to learn more about uric acid crystals and what they can indicate.
Uric acid is a waste product that's produced when your body breaks down purines. Purines are found in many foods, including organ meats, seafood, dried beans, and peas. Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine. But sometimes, uric acid levels become too high. When this happens, the uric acid may form crystals in your urine.
Uric acid crystals don't usually cause any symptoms. However, if the crystals accumulate in your kidneys, they can lead to kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a pearl. Most kidney stones pass through your urinary tract without causing any pain. But some stones can get stuck and block the flow of urine out of your body. This can cause severe pain in your abdomen, groin, or back.
There are several things that can cause high levels of uric acid in your body, including:
- Consuming large amounts of purine-rich foods, such as organ meats, seafood, dried beans, and peas
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being overweight
- Having certain medical conditions, such as gout or psoriasis
- Taking certain medications, such as diuretics or aspirin
If you have uric acid crystals in your urine, it's important to see a doctor so they can determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Treatment may include changes to your diet, lifestyle changes, or medications
Uric acid crystals in urine are relatively common and usually aren't anything to worry about. However, if the crystals accumulate in your kidneys and form kidney stones, they can causing severe pain. If you have uric acid crystals in your urine, it's important to see a doctor so they can determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Treatment may include changes to your diet, lifestyle changes, or medications.