Kidney Swelling from Excessive Water Intake

Q: Kidney Swelling from Excessive Water Intake

Hello： Kidney function needs to be assessed through examinations (blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, etc.); there are many causes for kidney edema, which also require testing to determine. <br>Drinking water is a natural act, but healthy hydration is also a science. <br>I

Kidney problems

Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question.
Recently, in a health education program, a medical expert mentioned that if a person drinks more than 1000cc (1 liter) of water in one go, it can show a state of renal edema on ultrasound imaging.
I would like to know if this phenomenon of suddenly drinking too much water leading to renal edema can be reversed simply by urinating, assuming normal kidney function? Could it potentially harm kidney function?

You-Hsuan, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/19

Dr. Wang Weijie reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Kidney function needs to be assessed through examinations (blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, etc.); there are many causes for kidney edema, which also require testing to determine.
Drinking water is a natural act, but healthy hydration is also a science.
It is advisable to distribute water intake throughout the day in smaller amounts, aiming for a total of 2000cc to 2500cc.
This way, you can maintain an appropriate hydration level for better health.
When drinking water, it is recommended to sip slowly, with a maximum intake of 1000cc per hour, and ideally 200cc at a time.
Since individual exercise levels vary, so do hydration needs; you can assess your hydration status by observing the color of your urine.
Under normal circumstances, urine should resemble a light beer color; if the urine is too dark, it indicates insufficient water intake.
If you are experiencing similar issues, it is important to seek medical attention! Thank you for your inquiry.
Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Wang Wei-Jie, Attending Physician, Department of Nephrology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/05/19

More Info

Excessive water intake, particularly in a short period, can indeed lead to a condition known as "water intoxication" or "water poisoning," which can result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood) and potentially kidney swelling (hydronephrosis). When a person consumes a large volume of water, such as 1000cc (1 liter) or more in one go, it can overwhelm the kidneys' ability to excrete the excess fluid efficiently. This can lead to an increase in the volume of fluid in the renal pelvis, causing a temporary state of hydronephrosis, which is the swelling of the kidney due to a build-up of urine.

In a healthy individual with normal kidney function, the kidneys are typically capable of handling fluctuations in fluid intake. After consuming a large amount of water, the kidneys will work to excrete the excess fluid, and once the body has adjusted, the swelling should resolve. However, this process can take some time, and the kidneys may need to work harder to restore balance.
It is important to note that while occasional excessive water intake may not cause lasting damage in healthy individuals, consistently drinking large amounts of water in a short time frame can lead to complications. Chronic overhydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia, which can be dangerous and lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.

To maintain optimal kidney health, it is generally recommended to consume water in moderation throughout the day rather than in large quantities at once. A good rule of thumb is to drink small amounts regularly, aiming for a total daily intake of about 2000cc to 2500cc, depending on individual needs, activity levels, and environmental conditions. Monitoring urine color can also be a helpful indicator of hydration status; ideally, urine should be a light yellow color.

If someone experiences symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urine output, or any signs of kidney distress after excessive water intake, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Regular check-ups and kidney function tests can help ensure that kidney health is maintained, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those who may be at risk for kidney issues.

In summary, while a single instance of drinking a large volume of water may lead to temporary kidney swelling, the kidneys of a healthy individual should recover once normal fluid balance is restored. However, it is crucial to practice healthy hydration habits to prevent potential complications and ensure long-term kidney health.

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