Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973) 972-7273
E-mail: capezzta@umdnj.edu

At UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
Urologist Says Keeping Hydrated is Key to Avoiding Kidney Stones

Consuming liquids in the summertime with will not only quench your thirst, it also will provide proper hydration to prevent the formation of kidney stones, a common occurrence in the summer months, according to a urologist at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).

"Drinking large quantities of water, cranberry juice and citrus juices is not only healthy, it may prevent a kidney stone attack," said Dr. Mark Jordan, chief of the Division of Urology at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark.

"Those who have a family history of kidney stones should consume at least two quarts of liquids daily," he said. "If tests reveal that there is excess calcium, products such as milk, cheese and antacids should be avoided."

Kidney stones are crystal structures formed by excessive salts in the urine. The most common is the calcium stone, which will increase in size until it is not passable and becomes lodged in the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder and causes tremendous pain.

"Men between the ages of 40 to 65 are three to four times more likely to develop kidney stones than women, although we still don't know why," Dr. Jordan said. "It is estimated that most men have about a 10 percent chance of experiencing stones in their lifetimes."

Kidney stones often are detected through a routine urinalysis or through x-rays. Symptoms may include severe back pain, blood in the urine, a strong odor in the urine or a fever.

Small, uncomplicated stones may either be passed or respond well to medication, but larger stones may require multiple treatments. "Most outpatient clinics across the United States are equipped with lithotripsy equipment, a device that is able to accurately pinpoint the stone and crush it with shock waves," Dr. Jordan said.

"It is impossible to predict when a kidney stone attack will occur, but eating citrus fruits and consuming lots of liquids-especially during the summer months-are the best approaches to avoiding these painful episodes."

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