Kidney Pain After Drinking Alcohol: What Could Be Causing It

Worst case scenario is liver failure, in which you will be needing a liver transplant. Kidney pain can be felt in your upper or lower back or between your lower ribs and your buttocks. You may feel it immediately after having a drink or after you’ve stopped drinking. Those who experience this pain report that it usually gets worse at night.

• The American Cancer Society suggests that no one should drink alcohol due to its harmful effects on the body and its potential to increase your risk of cancer.
• You get the best treatment options for whatever ails you, from back pain to sports injuries.
• Causes of kidney pain include UTIs, kidney stones, and blunt force trauma to the kidneys.
• So back pain, one of the most common problems that sends people to their doctors, is rarely due to kidney trouble.
• If you are living with diabetes and kidney disease, it is important to stay in control of your blood sugar so you can be your healthiest and avoid other…
• You know that super uncomfortable squeezing or burning sensation in your left and center chest?

What are the first signs of kidney damage from alcohol?

Kidney issues such as this are also closely related to other conditions such as gallstone and pain in the pancreas, which can also manifest as stomach pain and upper abdominal pain. It is the body’s way of warning of a potentially serious medical condition, so it is best not to ignore it. For example, a person with a UTI that spreads to the kidneys can develop how does alcohol affect the kidneys sepsis, a dangerous infection of the blood. Overdoses are a leading injury-related cause of death in the United States. Overdose deaths are preventable and preventing an opioid overdose death starts with being able to recognize the signs of an overdose. During an overdose, breathing can be dangerously slowed or stopped, causing brain damage or death.

Kidney pain, kidney stones and kidney infections: an alcohol link?

Kidney pain is classified according to how bad it is — severe or mild. A kidney stone or cyst can cause severe pain, while the pain from an infection is usually mild. Recognizing the difference between kidney pain and back pain can lead to earlier diagnosis and a better treatment outcome. A person can often treat mild back pain at home with activity modification, heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, people should see a doctor for pain that results from a traumatic injury.

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• It’s important to understand the cause of your pain so you can treat it appropriately.
• When the liver is affected and unable to handle the amount of ethanol consumed, the kidneys take over some part of its work.
• Clinicians should always involve patients in decisions about whether to initiate or continue opioid therapy, including discussing any side effects, concerns, and the benefits and risks of changing opioid dosage.
• One example of an alcohol-related acid-base disturbance already has been mentioned in relation to low levels of phosphate (i.e., respiratory alkalosis resulting from hyperventilation during alcohol withdrawal).

The kidney pain may be eased with Tylenol (acetaminophen), gentle heat application, or taking a warm bath with Epsom salts. Also called pyelonephritis, this infection could cause discomfort in one or both kidneys. You may feel pain in your back, in your side or both sides under your ribs, or in your groin.

• But if it’s bacterial pneumonia, the pain will most likely persist until it’s treated, Dr. Nazareth says.
• However, people should see a doctor for pain that results from a traumatic injury.
• For overall kidney and liver health, take an essential amino acid supplement daily.
• At first, you might not have any symptoms of kidney damage from regular alcohol consumption.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Bruised feeling all over body after drinking alcohol

How to Treat Kidney Pain