Even higher risks of kidney problems have been found in heavy drinkers who also smoke. A negative result would lead to further investigation for other causes of flank pain. Insufficient fluid intake would increase the likelihood of a kidney stone diagnosis. The flowchart would ultimately lead to diagnostic imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan) to confirm the presence and location of kidney stones.

Pain Management and Seeking Medical Attention

You may need to take a complete break from alcohol for a set amount of time or reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. If you have UPJ obstruction, you may have kidney pain after drinking alcohol. This condition impedes the proper functioning of the kidneys and bladder. Liver disease makes you susceptible to pain or discomfort after drinking alcohol.

High-Sodium Diets and Kidney Pain

Chronic alcohol use interconnects with liver damage, elevating kidney disease risks. Antibiotics are a standard treatment option if you’re experiencing pain due to an infection, such as a urinary tract infection. Traveling to one or both kidneys, it starts in the bladder or urethra.

How Does Alcohol Affect a Person’s Kidneys?

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. The kidneys are about the size of our fists and are located below the Oxford House rib cage on either side of our spines. Kidney pain may be experienced as back pain, but if there is kidney damage resulting from alcohol use, other symptoms may occur.

When to visit a doctor

Alcohol is a toxic substance that can cause dependence alongside a range of other negative health effects. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery and a healthier future. According to the CDC, men should have no more than two drinks a day, and women should have no more than one drink a day. However, more research is needed into the link between alcohol use and kidney injury. Sometimes, UPJ will improve independently or be treated with a minimally invasive procedure.

Alcohol’s impact on blood flow to the kidneys also plays a significant role. Reduced blood flow can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and regulate fluid balance. Experiencing kidney pain after alcohol consumption can be concerning. Hydration is key to kidney health, and choosing the right plant-based milk can contribute to a healthy fluid intake.

• Alcohol increases the acidity of your urine, which can irritate the lining of your bladder and cause a UTI.
• For instance, individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) might experience intensified flank pain and other symptoms after alcohol intake.
• Many kidney diseases present with similar symptoms, including flank pain, nausea, and changes in urination.
• It may be recommended that an individual gives up alcohol, reduce weight, and adhere to a healthy diet to manage liver disease.

Usually, these symptoms of irritability or a sense of apprehension begin about eight to 12 hours after drinking, as the effects of alcohol wear off. Sometimes, people feel anxious while under the influence of alcohol, which can manifest as feelings of suspicion or anger. The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options.

• Even though liver disease is commonly caused by chronic alcohol consumption, an occasional drink can have an effect on the kidneys too.
• If someone feels this discomfort, especially if it lasts for several hours or days, they should see a doctor since they may have a dangerous illness.
• Alcohol is known to dehydrate the body, and if people don’t drink enough water to replace the waste, they can feel dehydrated.

Kidney Disease and Alcohol Consumption

A 35-year-old male presented to the emergency room complaining of severe, sharp pain in his right flank, radiating to his groin. The pain began suddenly after consuming a large quantity of water following a strenuous workout. He reported nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination, with visibly cloudy urine. His medical history was unremarkable, except for a family history of kidney stones. Applying a warm compress to the affected area might provide some soothing relief. Finally, avoiding alcohol and potentially irritating foods or drinks can help prevent further irritation.

Kidney Infection

Non-pharmacological methods, such as heat therapy and massage, offer gentler relief and may be suitable for mild pain or as a complementary therapy alongside medication. The choice of pain relief method depends on the severity of pain, individual preferences, and potential risks. When you’re concerned about your kidney health, Milwaukee Nephrologists is your go-to resource.

Both of those conditions are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease in the United States. Binge drinking (usually more than four to five drinks within two hours) can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerous levels. This can cause a sudden drop in kidney function known as „acute kidney injury.“ When this happens, dialysis is needed until a person’s kidney function returns to normal. Acute kidney injury usually goes away in time, but in some cases, it can lead to lasting kidney damage. Kidney pain after drinking alcohol may occur due to acute kidney injury or an infection. Moderate drinking should not cause kidney pain, but binge drinking or frequent drinking may cause kidney problems.