Water is a fundamental liquid for our body. Not only does it keep us hydrated, but it also lubricates joints, maintains your temperature, and promotes digestive health. If you experience kidney pain after drinking water, you may have an underlying disorder. Also, you should know that more is not always better: this old saying also applies to water intake.
Drinking too much water can affect kidney function, but it is unlikely to cause kidney pain.
Why is water so important?
Health professionals recommend drinking plenty of water for good reason. Your body is 50 to 75 percent water. Every cell and tissue needs this fluid to function properly.
This vital fluid regulates body temperature, carries oxygen and nutrients to cells, protects sensitive tissues, and helps remove metabolic waste. It also keeps your digestive system running smoothly and adds bulk to your stool, preventing constipation.
Although as a general rule we have always been told to drink about 3 liters a day, you may need more fluids in certain circumstances, such as during exercise or when facing high temperatures. If you're on a diet high in protein or fiber, consider increasing your water intake. Even mild dehydration can affect mental focus, increase heart rate, and affect physical performance.
However, drinking too much water is just as harmful as drinking too little. It can lead to hyponatremia , a condition that affects your sodium levels.
Why does the kidney hurt after drinking water?
According to a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Medicine, about 1 percent of the general population has hyponatremia. Women and people with certain conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental disorders, are at higher risk for it.
Drinking too much water can impair the kidneys' ability to excrete it. Excess fluid can lower sodium levels in your body , leading to electrolyte imbalances. Other possible causes of hyponatremia include hormonal disorders, diarrhea, vomiting, kidney disease, and the use of certain medications or illegal drugs.
Hyponatremia can be acute or chronic. The acute form is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms, such as seizures, coma , and even death, and results from fluid accumulation in the brain. The chronic form develops over more than 48 hours, causing nausea and vomiting, fractures, decreased bone mineral density, confusion, headaches, and muscle cramps.
Although it is true that hyponatremia affects kidney function, it does not cause kidney pain. If they hurt after drinking water, you may have a ureteropelvic junction obstruction or other kidney disorders. The best way to determine the root cause of your symptoms is to see a doctor.
Other causes of having kidney pain
As we mentioned earlier, one possible cause of kidney pain after drinking water is ureteropelvic junction obstruction . This rare condition results from a partial or complete blockage of the junction where the kidneys join the ureters, stopping or slowing the flow of urine. Most cases are present naturally from birth, but it is possible to develop ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adulthood due to kidney stones or inflammation in the upper urinary tract. Some types of surgery can also cause this disorder.
In general, ureteropelvic junction obstruction affects only one kidney. Symptoms include kidney stones, vomiting, blood in the urine, and pain in the back or upper abdomen, especially when drinking fluids. You may also notice an enlarged mass in your abdomen or develop urinary tract infections accompanied by a fever.
Various other kidney disorders can cause kidney pain, such as polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney cancer, injuries, and digestive diseases. However, if you have any of these conditions, your kidney won't necessarily hurt after drinking water. It is important that you go to the doctor to analyze and assess your situation.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can cause pain in one or both kidneys. Water loss occurs through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or too much urination. Diabetes can also cause us to have little hydration in the body. Severe or chronic dehydration accumulates waste in the kidneys, causing symptoms such as:
- Pain or discomfort in the side or back
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Food cravings
- Difficulty concentrating
It is recommended to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. In addition to drinking more fluids, we can eat foods rich in water, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also advisable to drink more water if we drink coffee and other caffeinated beverages. The amount of water we need depends on age, climate, diet, and other factors. Check the color of your urine to estimate if you are hydrated. Dark yellow means it probably needs more water.
Kidney stones in the kidneys
Kidney stones are small, hard crystals that accumulate inside the kidneys. The most common are composed of salts and minerals such as calcium. Kidney stones are also known as renal lithiasis. A kidney stone can cause pain when it moves or passes out of the body through the urine. The most common symptoms are:
- Severe pain in the back and side, as well as in the stomach, groin, and one or both testicles
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain when urinating
- Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown in color)
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Difficulty peeing
Kidney stones can be very painful, but they are usually not harmful. Most kidney stones need minor treatment with pain relievers. Drinking a lot of water helps to pass the stone. Medical treatment includes the use of sound waves to help break up the kidney stones.
Renal cysts in the kidneys
A cyst is a round sac filled with fluid. Renal cysts occur when one or more cysts form in the kidneys. These simplex are not cancerous and usually do not cause symptoms. But you may feel pain if a cyst grows too large. It can also cause problems if it becomes infected or bursts. It can also cause symptoms such as fever, sharp or dull pain in the side or back, and in the upper part of the stomach.
A large kidney cyst can cause a painful complication called hydronephrosis . This occurs when the cyst blocks the flow of urine, causing the kidney to swell.
If we have a large cyst, the doctor may recommend a simple procedure to remove it. This involves using a long needle to drain it. It is usually performed under general or local numbness. Afterward, a dose of antibiotics may need to be taken to prevent infection.
Enlargement of the prostate
An enlarged prostate is a common condition in men over the age of 40. This gland is just below the bladder and as it enlarges, it can partially block the flow of urine out of the kidney. This can lead to infection or swelling in one or both kidneys, causing pain.
An enlarged prostate is usually treated with medicines to reduce the size. In some cases, radiation therapy or surgery may be needed. Kidney symptoms disappear once the prostate returns to its normal size.