Depending on the extent of dehydration, a healthcare professional may give you intravenous (IV) fluids as the most efficient means of helping you rehydrate. Alcohol increases the acidity of your urine, which can irritate the lining of your bladder kidney pain from drinking and cause a UTI. UTI symptoms include discomfort when urinating, blood in urine, dark or foul-smelling urine, abdominal or back pain, frequent urination, and/or fever. During your appointment, it’s also worth talking with your healthcare provider about whether or not it’s safe for you to consume alcohol in general.
Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. Lynn brings her expertise in nutrition, exercise, and behavior change to her work in helping people reach their individual health and fitness goals. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, she has also written for websites and publications like Food and Health Communications, Today’s Dietitian, iVillage.com, and Rodale Press. Always speak with a healthcare professional before changing or adjusting your diet or exercise routine. It’s never too late to unlearn behaviors that damage your health. Here is a list of ten common habits that you might not realize are putting pressure on your kidneys.
Dehydration Can Hurt You
Hydronephrosis occurs in one or two swollen kidneys because of an accumulation of urine. A blockage stops urine from draining from the kidney to the bladder. This obstruction can lead the renal pelvis to become swollen or enlarged. Understanding why you’re experiencing discomfort is essential, as it may signify something serious.
- Many people don’t realize that common medications can interact dangerously with alcohol to increase kidney pain risk.
- A high alcohol intake may also increase the risk of other problems that can hurt the kidneys, such as a urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, and long-term kidney damage.
- True kidney pain is higher than typical low-back pain and often feels deeper rather than muscular.
- Adding creamers or milk can further raise your coffee’s potassium content.
- Regular physical activity also contributes by helping to control blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight, both of which reduce the workload on the kidneys.
High-Sugar Drinks
Drinking extra water with certain medications or before and after procedures with contrast dye may help prevent kidney damage. Always consult with your healthcare provider first, especially if you are on a fluid restriction. Though not common, it can happen to those who consume large amounts of water, diluting sodium levels in the blood and resulting in a dangerous condition called hyponatremia. Jessianna Saville, MS, RDN, LD, CSR, CLT is a board certified renal nutrition specialist and registered dietitian licensed in the state of Texas. She feels passionately about the role nutrition therapy plays in kidney disease to improve quality-of-life, reduce hospitalization, and slow progression to dialysis.
Mental Health Disorder Statistics
- Her related affiliations include work for the American Medical Association and Oregon Health Plan.
- My mom is 80 years old with CKD stage 5 on conservative treatment.
- Reduced blood volume from dehydration can also decrease oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, causing fatigue and soreness.
- One reason alcohol may affect the kidneys is through acute kidney injury.
- While mild post-alcohol kidney discomfort often resolves with rehydration and rest, certain symptoms are red flags that necessitate immediate professional medical evaluation.
Chronic alcohol use interconnects with liver damage, elevating kidney disease risks. I am curious to know, if a kidney patient is given a drug and their creatinine level rises within 24 hours of taking the medication, it will continue to rise every time they take it. How do doctors help patient’s kidneys not fail or sustain irreparable damage? Since day one, I have urinated far less than usual, and my creatinine level is now 3.9. My kidney doctors refuse to do anything other than check for rejection, which they also refuse to treat. The same thing happened with Bactrim about 1.4 years ago,a separate hospital assisted me).
Tips To Be “Water Wise” for Healthy Kidneys
Recognizing the early signs of kidney damage and taking steps to reduce alcohol use can help protect your kidneys for years to come. This guide unpacks the science behind alcohol-related kidney damage, helps you recognize early warning signs, and outlines proactive steps to protect your long-term health. Not all drinks are created equal when it comes to kidney health. Yes, the areas around your kidneys may feel sore or uncomfortable after you drink alcohol.
Moderate Your Calcium Intake
This pain often presents as a deep, dull ache that may intensify with certain movements or positions. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible helps ensure appropriate treatment and can reduce the risk of complications. A person is at risk of different complications depending on the underlying cause of the kidney pain. A person may feel intense back pain or pain in their genitals or stomach as the body attempts to pass the stone. If the body does not pass the stone, a person can develop a severe infection or blockage. Treat gastritis by avoiding alcohol, pain medications, and recreational drugs.
Kidney Pain After Drinking Alcohol: Why It Happens & What to Do
Dehydration or not drinking enough fluids can lead to kidney damage over time. However, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for how much you need to drink in a day. Did you know your kidneys filter about 50 gallons of blood every single day? Staying hydrated is key to making sure they can do their jobs properly. But hydration isn’t just about drinking more—it’s about drinking the right fluids. There are no specific symptoms of kidney damage solely due to alcohol use.
Consult a healthcare professional if pain occurs with pre-existing kidney conditions or other chronic illnesses. Timely medical attention allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and supporting kidney health. While mild kidney pain after drinking may resolve Sobriety with rest and hydration, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Seek professional help for persistent or severe pain in the back or side, especially if it doesn’t improve. This pain can be sharp, dull, or wavy, and may be felt on one or both sides. Dehydration stresses the kidneys, forcing them to work harder to filter waste from a concentrated blood volume.
What about the kidney pain some people claim to feel after a night of drinking? According to Dr. Bobart, there’s no research to suggest a link between alcohol and kidney pain. Treat dehydration by drinking fluids and electrolytes, such as a sports drink with electrolytes and a carbohydrate solution. In some circumstances, dehydration requires a visit to the doctor.
