Over-the-counter pain medicines can feel harmless because they are easy to buy, but some can affect kidney blood flow.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
NSAIDs can be especially problematic in people who already have kidney disease or who have other risk factors. They can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and contribute to kidney injury in susceptible people.
Risk may be greater with frequent use, higher doses, dehydration, or certain combinations of medicines.
This does **not** mean everyone must avoid NSAIDs completely. It means they should be used according to label instructions and with professional advice when kidney disease or other risk factors are present.
## 4. Dehydration and Repeated Acute Kidney Injury
Severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and contribute to acute kidney injury.
This is particularly relevant for people working or exercising for long periods in extreme heat.
Research involving agricultural workers in hot environments has found that repeated heat stress and dehydration may be associated with recurrent episodes of acute kidney injury and later chronic kidney problems in vulnerable populations.
Ordinary mild thirst after exercise is not the same thing as kidney injury. The concern is repeated or severe dehydration, particularly when combined with intense heat, strenuous work, illness, or kidney-stressing medications.
## 5. Smoking, Obesity, and Physical Inactivity
