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. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that each year more than half a million people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems. See a doctor or therapist if you feel you’re dependent on alcohol or if it’s interfering with your life in some way. Try swapping out alcoholic drinks for alternative beverages such as juices and teas.
Kidney Pain After Alcohol Consumption: Causes & Prevention Tips
Kidney health is essential for filtering toxins and waste out of our blood and transferring those substances to our urine for elimination from the body. The kidneys also keep our electrolyte and fluid levels balanced, and they are directly impacted by the excessive intake of alcohol. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 4 million Canadians. Unfortunately, this condition has no cure, which is why prevention is key. One way people can reduce the risk of kidney disease is to pay attention to how much they drink.
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This is why many a hangover recovery involves drinking a sports drink full of electrolytes or (more problematically) a hair-of-the-dog cure in the form of a spicy Bloody Mary. Kidneys that have been overworked due to excess alcohol consumption don’t function properly. This makes them less able to filter blood and maintain the correct water balance in the body. The hormones that control kidney function can also be adversely affected. A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that starts in the urethra or bladder and moves to one or both kidneys. The symptoms and severity of a UTI may get worse after drinking alcohol.
When to see a doctor
Once you know what is causing your pain, your doctor can work with you to find the right treatment. Yes, alcohol can cause high protein in the blood due to liver damage and inflammation. It’s essential to be attentive and seek medical help if you observe any such symptoms, especially changes in your urine.
- Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more often.
- While there is no set amount of water you should be consuming, many medical professionals recommend drinking at least two full glasses of water for every alcoholic drink you use.
- The risk and extent of kidney damage will only increase as alcohol use continues.
- This would be a UTI (urinary tract infection), and drinking alcohol can worsen the severity of a UTI.
Treatments include prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, IV therapy for dehydration, and, in some cases, surgery for kidney stones. Recognising symptoms how does alcohol affect the kidneys early and seeking medical advice can prevent irreversible kidney damage. Chronic alcohol use interconnects with liver damage, elevating kidney disease risks.
The kidneys are very sensitive to pressure changes, and big swings in blood pressure or prolonged high blood pressure can damage them. Alcohol causes an initial dip in blood pressure that quickly elevates, leading to high blood pressure for several hours after drinking. Binge drinking can cause severe increases in blood pressure, while heavy drinking over time causes chronically high blood pressure. Alcohol can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, including kidney infections.
- A person who drinks alcohol can become dehydrated, increasing the risk of a UTI.
- Essentially, limiting alcohol consumption is key to reducing the risk of kidney damage.
- Over time, drinking can increase the risk of kidney disease.
- Some of these toxins may cause fatigue, while others are anorexigenic (i.e., they suppress appetite).
- In situations where liver failure occurs, a liver transplant may be required.
- A drink in this instance is equivalent to a 5 oz glass of wine, 12 oz beer, or a single shot (1.5 oz) of 80-proof hard liquor.
Signs & Causes of Kidney Pain After Drinking Alcohol
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. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria in your urinary tract and can cause pain when you urinate. Honor or remember a loved one today and your impact will be DOUBLED to help children and adults fighting kidney disease.
Potential Causes Of Kidney Pain After Drinking
For men, heavy alcohol use is defined as more than four drinks in a single sitting or more than 14 drinks in a week. For women, heavy drinking is defined as drinking more than three drinks in a single sitting or more than seven drinks in a day. It is important to remember that someone who is an older adult or has health problems may be more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than the general population. The liver plays a role in maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, and alcohol-related liver problems can further impact kidney health.
In addition to causing dehydration, alcohol increases blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict. They respond to high blood pressure by removing fluid from the blood, which decreases its volume and the pressure it causes. With alcohol use, the kidneys experience stress because they are working to retain fluid to help with dehydration and release fluid to help with high blood pressure.
A liver transplant may also be necessary in cases of liver failure. The discomfort may be mild or severe and manifest on one or both sides of the body. Here are some of the potential causes of alcohol-related kidney pain. You may wish to swap out hard liquor for beer or wine, since these have a lower alcohol content.