Kidney Stones Treatment in Fargo
The kidney is a major organ in the body that helps form urine from substances in the blood. When blood passes into the kidney, it is filtered, and waste is collected into the collecting tubules while the essential part of the blood content goes back into circulation via another route. Usually, salts form a significant portion of the blood and urine, but in large concentrations, they may cause harm to the body. Excess amounts of salts in the urine might lead to the accumulation of salts or minerals in the kidney. The accumulation of excess minerals can cause kidney stones. According to research, kidney stones affect 1 in 11 people in the United States, and it is estimated that 600,000 Americans suffer from urinary stones yearly. Kidney stones vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball; smaller stones may go unnoticed for several months. Larger stones can cause severe pain and can be painful to pass as this may result in total blockage of the ureter, and surgery may be needed.
For expert advice on kidney stones, we recommend you contact Altaire Clinic. Our team of experienced medical providers can examine you, determine the appropriate treatment, and provide care that will prevent unnecessary complications.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Calcium, oxalate, and uric acid are the most common components of kidney stones. These substances build up and stick together to form crystals that can lodge themselves in the path of your urine, obstructing the flow and causing pain.
Many different factors can cause kidney stones, including:
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Diet (high in oxalate or uric acid)
- Eating an excess of salt or sugar
- Lack of exercise
Certain foods and drinks increase your risk of developing kidney stones, including caffeine, processed meats, sugary beverages, and high-oxalate foods like chocolate, spinach, and bran.
Four Types of Kidney Stones include:
- Calcium Stones: The most common type of kidney stone is made up of calcium, which accounts for 80% of kidney stones. There are two types of calcium stones, calcium stones: calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones.
- Uric Acid: Between 5% and 10% of kidney stones are created by uric acid that your body doesn’t process properly. Uric acid is a natural waste product that your body produces and is usually broken down in your urine.
- Struvite Stones: Accounting for another 10% of kidney stones are struvite stones, which are associated with frequent urinary tract infections.
- Cystine Stones: Rounding out our list of kidney stones are cystine stones, which only account for 1% of stones. This low number is because cystine stones are usually the result of an inherited metabolic disorder that leads to too much cystine in your urine (cystine is an amino acid).
Signs & Symptoms
Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful and traumatic. It's critical to understand the symptoms so you can figure out what's causing your pain.
Symptoms of kidney stones can include:
- Sharp pain in the back, side, or groin that comes and goes in waves and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Pain while urinating
- Frequent and/or urgent need to urinate
- Feeling like you cannot fully empty your bladder
- Fever
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend you seek medical attention immediately.
Treating Kidney Stones
No matter which type of stone you’ve developed in your kidney, the good news is that our experienced staff at Altaire Clinic can help. We offer several different treatment options for kidney stones, depending upon their severity; they include:
- Watchful waiting
- Medications to encourage the passage of the stone
- A ureteroscopy, a procedure in which we remove a stone from your ureter
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy to break apart the stone
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove the stone from your kidney
Kidney stones usually pass on their own through the urinary tract without causing any long-term problems. If they do not, or if you're in a lot of pain, you will need medical care. An experienced doctor will break up or remove the crystals. Most evidence suggests that stones less than 10 mm in diameter have a reasonable chance of passing spontaneously.
Your treatment depends on where and how big your stone is and what symptoms you have. If your stone does not bother you, we may advise you to wait 2-4 weeks for it to pass naturally. You will need to drink plenty of water to help flush it out of your system. You can manage your pain with over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you are in discomfort.
Sometimes, a stone is too big to come out by itself. In this case, you will require surgery.
Based on our examination, we may prescribe a treatment plan that will eliminate/cure your kidney stones; results vary from person to person. The only way to find out is to come in for an appointment.
Associations & Awards
Testimonials
I love the warm, friendly atmosphere. The staff are so welcoming and knowledgeable!
– Ali M.
Amazing place to work!! I would highly recommend this clinic!!
– Tiffany S.
They provide you with the best experience and educate you all the way! Best experience!
– Heather M.
Love the staff and the results! Not pushy with trying their products or services, they genuinely care and want you the customer to be happy.
– Ashley P.
Everything about Altaire Is top notch—the professionalism, staff, services, beautiful facility, ‘state of art’ equipment and technology...Rick is amazing, genuine and knowledgeable!
– Pat B.
I love all of the people in this place! They are so kind and informative and are the best at answering any questions you might have. I highly recommend Altaire Clinic.
– Alice K.
I had a great experience at Altaire. The staff was kind, helpful, and great to work with. I will continue to go back. I would recommend Altaire to anyone.
– Michael L.
From the moment I walked in, I felt so welcome! Rich was an absolute gem and made me feel so comfortable with the procedure I had done! Definitely will be going back!!
– Samantha C.
The best service i have ever received. Felt at home from the moment i walked in. Friendly and professional. Would definitely recommend Altaire to anyone
– Ernst L.
Have had several great experiences at Altaire. Staff is full of friendly knowledgeable people and the quality of products and services is top notch.
– Eric G.
What to Expect at Your Visit
At the Altaire Clinic, we’re here to help you manage and treat any illness you are experiencing. When you visit our clinic, you will be asked to fill in some paperwork requiring more information regarding symptoms.
Our skilled medical staff will ask you a few questions about your symptoms of kidney stones, and we will also run some tests.
We will be able to assist you with the appropriate treatment plan to help alleviate your pain.
Cost of Treatment / Insurance
Your insurance plan may cover the cost of treatment. Please contact us if you have any questions as to if we accept your insurance.
Below is a list of the accepted insurance at Altaire Clinic.
- Aetna
- BCBS of MN
- BCBS of ND
- Cigna
- Health Partners
- Humana
- Medica
- Medicare
- ND Medicaid
- Preferred One
- Sanford
- Tricare/Health Net Federal Services
- United Health Care
- VA PC3 (Optum)
Why Choose Altaire Clinic
Our licensed healthcare team has over 60 years of combined expertise to help you feel your best. We will have your best interest at the heart of everything we do. We care for you!
We treat every person with the compassionate, quality medical care they deserve — whether they’re seeking preventive care or need urgent care services.
Make an Appointment
At Altaire Clinic, our staff commonly treats patients with symptoms of kidney stones.
Please contact our clinic at (701) 809-9369 to schedule your consultation appointment. Our team of experienced medical clinicians is here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Schedule your appointment today!
Common Questions About Treatments
Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and blood in your urine.
Back and/or side pain below the ribs, pain during urination, pink-red or brown urine, constant urination or troubles with urine flow, urinary infection, and unexplainable nausea and vomiting.
Research shows that Apple Cider Vinegar helps dissolve kidney stones as it contains acetic acid. In addition, plenty of water and a dilution of lemon juice can help dissolve your kidney stones.
Contact Us
We encourage you to book a consultation, so one of our providers can personally discuss your needs and recommend the procedures best suited to your lifestyle. Contact us by phone or use the convenient form below so you can reach your ultimate health, wellness, & beauty goals.