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Renal function is compromised in cases of liver disease due to altered blood supply to the kidneys. This is the area at the back of your abdomen, under your rib cage on both sides of your spine. As a freelance medical writer and Virtual Clinical Support Specialist, he blends frontline clinical expertise with a passion for health technology and evidence-based content. He is also a contributor to Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs.

Alcohol-Related Kidney Conditions

And in rare cases, binge drinking — five or more drinks at a time — can cause a sudden drop in kidney function called acute kidney injury. This serious condition occurs when toxins from alcohol build up in your blood so fast your kidneys can’t maintain the proper fluid balance. Though it’s reversible with treatment, it can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The good news is that, with early detection and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to halt or even reverse some of the damage caused by alcohol to your kidneys. Reducing alcohol intake, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can all contribute to kidney health. In the UK, excessive drinking is often normalised and people don’t understand the real impact it can have on your health.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Kidneys

The body may get severely Drug rehabilitation infected or clogged if the stone is not passed. Recognizing the early signs of kidney damage and taking steps to reduce alcohol use can help protect your kidneys for years to come. Even if you don’t have diabetes now, alcohol can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with weight gain and a poor diet. That means you could be increasing your risk for two major kidney stressors—alcohol and blood sugar—at the same time. Repeated over time, this strain can cause inflammation and oxidative stress inside your kidneys—damaging the nephrons, the tiny filtering units inside each kidney.

Want to Take Charge of Your Kidney Health?

Pain that starts within minutes of eating often matches reflux, gas, or gallbladder squeezing. Pain that ramps up over 30–60 minutes can fit a stone moving, urine flow slowing, or bowel pressure building. There are times when the easy answer is “not tonight.” These are the times when alcohol tends to create problems, not fun.

  • Binge drinking (usually more than four to five drinks within two hours) can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerous levels.
  • Enjoying fruit juice in moderation can be a great way to stay hydrated.
  • Alcohol is a ubiquitous substance in many societies, and it can be easy to overlook its impact on the body — especially on organs that do not directly process it.
  • You might feel a sharp or stabbing pain in the chest or upper abdomen that gets worse when you lie down, cough, or take a deep breath.
  • If lifestyle changes like this don’t help, talk to your doctor to see if an over-the-counter or prescription antacid is right for you.

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Damaged kidneys become less effective at regulating blood pressure. This makes your blood pressure even harder to control, accelerating further kidney damage. However, drinks with lower alcohol content, such as light beer or diluted cocktails, may be less taxing than hard liquor.

Reasons Why Your Kidneys Hurt After Drinking Alcohol

Some studies suggest beer may help flush out small stones due to increased urination, but the risks of dehydration and further stone formation outweigh any benefits. Pop news programs may latch onto stories about how a glass of wine a day is good for your health. They fail to account for the numerous other factors impacting a person’s health, such as diet and exercise. It kidney pain after drinking alcohol can have detrimental health impacts even when consumed at low levels.

kidney pain after drinking alcohol

When Drinking Is Usually Fine And When Skipping Feels Smarter

You might feel a sharp or stabbing pain in the chest or upper abdomen that gets worse when you lie down, cough, or take a deep breath. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. It can cause pain in your upper abdomen (on the right or left side) as well as nausea, vomiting, burping or hiccupping, and a feeling of fullness after eating. IBS is a chronic GI disorder that causes uncomfortable symptoms and is typically managed with lifestyle changes.

Blood pressure medications carry a high interaction risk and can cause increased dizziness, falls, and blood pressure changes, so you should avoid or severely limit alcohol. Breaking this cycle requires addressing both alcohol consumption and blood pressure management. For anyone who experiences regular kidney ache after alcohol, incorporating these steps into daily life can make a measurable difference. Prevention is not about https://ecosoberhouse.com/ giving up pleasure entirely; it is about maintaining balance so the body can function at its best. Professional support not only helps the body heal but also prevents future alcohol and kidney disease by addressing the root causes of overuse and dependence.

Alcohol Can Affect the Kidneys Through Diabetes

kidney pain after drinking alcohol

On the right side of your body, your right lung sits atop the diaphragm, and the liver is just below the muscle, according to MedlinePlus. As such, lung conditions affecting the right lower lung can sometimes cause irritation and pain under the right rib cage. Several things can cause pancreatitis, including alcohol abuse, gallstones, pancreatic cancer, obesity, and an infection or injury. Smoking, diabetes, and a family history of pancreatitis also put you at higher risk. In most cases, treatment requires surgery to remove the appendix, and waiting too long could increase the risk of life-threatening infection. The pain usually eases up after a few hours once the blockage clears, but if it doesn’t clear, you may start to develop a fever, chills, or an increased heart rate.

This increased workload can cause inflammation and stress within the kidney tissue itself. The dehydration effect becomes particularly pronounced when you’re drinking without adequate water intake. Your kidneys struggle to maintain proper fluid balance while simultaneously processing the alcohol, creating a perfect storm for discomfort.

It can also turn into chronic kidney disease and have life-long effects. AKI can be caused by the shock binge drinking causes to the kidneys. As a diuretic, it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration, putting additional stress on these vital organs. The kidneys must work harder to maintain proper fluid balance and filter toxins from your body when you consume alcohol. Some data rehabs suggests that alcohol consumption and kidney stones could be related.

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