Can gout affect kidney stones?

Gout treatment requires lowering uric acid levels through medication, diet, and lifestyle management. Uric acid crystal deposition can lead to kidney stones. Gout and kidney stones are closely related, and hyperuricemia is the common basis of the two.

1. Drugs that lower uric acid levels can help prevent and treat kidney stones. Commonly used drugs include Febuxostat, Allopurinol, and Benzbromarone, which can inhibit uric acid production or promote uric acid excretion. However, you should drink plenty of water during medication, and the daily water intake should reach 2000-3000 ml to promote uric acid excretion and prevent uric acid kidney stones.

2. A low-purine diet can reduce the source of uric acid and reduce the risk of kidney stones. High-purine foods such as animal offal, thick broth, and shellfish should be strictly controlled. Eating more alkaline foods such as dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables can alkalize urine, increase the solubility of uric acid, and reduce the formation of stones.

3. Moderate exercise can promote uric acid metabolism, but be careful to avoid strenuous exercise. It is recommended to choose aerobic exercise such as swimming, jogging, cycling, etc., 3-5 times a week, 30-60 minutes each time. During exercise, you should replenish water in time and do not hold urine. Urinating can effectively remove uric acid crystals in urine.

4. Obesity is one of the important causes of gout. Weight loss can help lower blood uric acid levels. For every 1 kg of weight loss, blood uric acid can be reduced by about 10μmol/L. However, weight loss should be gradual. Extremely low-calorie diets or rapid weight loss may cause a temporary increase in uric acid levels and increase the risk of kidney stones.

5. It is equally important to control related complications. Metabolic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes will increase the burden on the kidneys and the risk of kidney stones. You need to follow the doctor's advice and receive standardized treatment to control blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg and fasting blood sugar at 4.4-6.1 mmol/L.

Prevention of kidney stones starts with controlling uric acid. In addition to comprehensive treatments such as medication, diet, and exercise, regular monitoring of blood uric acid levels and kidney function is also essential. When symptoms such as hematuria and low back pain occur, seek medical attention in a timely manner and choose the appropriate treatment plan based on the size and location of the stones.