The human stomach is a muscular sac like structure that is responsible for breaking down food, and plays an important role in digestion. But when stomach function is affected, finding the right culprit can be a challenge. To identify the underlying cause ultrasound is an amazing diagnostic tool that effectively detects stomach problems.
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure which uses high-frequency sound waves that travel throughout the body that passes through the tissues and organs. These sound waves create echos which are captured by a transducer, which is a handheld device. This helps echos convert into images. The top radiologists in Coimbatore can assist you with the best care during an ultrasound. Ultrasound is comparatively a safe diagnostic tool when compared to others.
What are the stomach problems that an ultrasound can detect?
While directly viewing the stomach lining to identify any abnormalities the chances are limited. While ultrasound does play an important role in diagnosing various stomach-related issues. Ultrasound makes this possible by examining surrounding tissues and organs, identifying abnormalities that might indicate several stomach problems. Here are the key areas where ultrasound works effectively,
Gallstones:
These painful stones, formed in the gallbladder, can sometimes cause stomach pain. Stomach ultrasound scans effectively detect gallstones, their size, and location, helping in treatment related decisions and recommendations.
Peptic ulcers:
Though ultrasound cannot directly detect ulcers in the stomach or stomach lining, it can identify complications like perforation, which means any hole in the stomach, by analyzing free fluid in the stomach.
Appendicitis:
Appendicitis, is an inflammation of the appendix organ, which often mimics a stomach ache. Ultrasound helps view the appendix and identify inflammation or swelling helping in early diagnosis.
Pancreatitis:
The pancreas, located near the stomach, plays a major role in digestion.Pancreatic inflammation can lead to significant stomach pain.Ultrasound for stomach pain is a valuable tool for diagnosing pancreatic inflammation and its severity.
Liver disease:
Certain liver problems can develop as stomach discomfort. Ultrasound effectively analyzes the liver size, texture, and presence of abnormalities that might be impacting stomach function indirectly.
In addition to these specific conditions, ultrasound can also be helpful in:
Identifying blockages:
Blockages in the digestive system, caused by tumors or scar tissue, can lead to stomach pain and bloating. Ultrasound can help view these blockages.
Detecting fluid buildup:
Excess fluid accumulation in the abdomen can sometimes be caused due to several stomach problems. Ultrasound can detect the presence and location of this fluid.
How does ultrasound work while identifying stomach problems?
As mentioned, sound waves are used in ultrasound technology to produce images of specific tissue. The ultrasound technologist applies a gel to the skin of the abdomen, around the affected area, before performing an ultrasound. Subsequently a transducer probe is applied directly to the skin. Sound waves produced by the transducer travel through fluid and soft tissue before returning to thicker tissues. The waves that bounce back are used by the ultrasound machine to create an image. Thicker tissues may appear as gray, while softer tissues may appear as darker gray.
Which other body parts can an ultrasound be used to detect abnormalities?
Ultrasound technology allows the specialists to obtain images of various body parts. For conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, urology, circulation, and many more. There are several types of ultrasound imaging depending on the place of diagnosis the type of ultrasound is determined. An ultrasound can produce pictures of the following body parts like:
- Thyroid
- Muscles and joints
- Heart and blood vessels
- Reproductive organs
When should you consider getting an abdominal ultrasound?
In case you experience persistent stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound. Here are some of the symptoms where an ultrasound can be helpful:
Unexplained abdominal pain:
When the cause of your stomach pain is unclear, an ultrasound can provide valuable information regarding your abdominal health.
In case of sudden and sharp pain in the right abdomen:
This sign can indicate the presence of gallbladder stones, in such cases to confirm gallbladder stones, your doctor may recommend ultrasound.
Few other common signs that indicate ultrasound:
- Constant bloating
- Stomach pain
- Blood in bowels
Are abdominal ultrasounds safe?
Ultrasounds do not use radiation, unlike other imaging diagnostic procedures. Ultrasounds are extremely safe and have little to no complications or risks.
Do you need to drink water before an ultrasound?
We might have heard that you need to drink lots of water before an ultrasound, but it is not recommended for all diagnoses. Usually an ultrasound technologist will recommend the amount of water you need to drink.
What are the limitations of an ultrasound?
While ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool, ultrasound does have limitations when it comes to abdominal ultrasound. Here’s what you need to know:
Limited viewing of stomach lining:
As mentioned earlier, air and food movement can make it difficult to get a clear view of the stomach wall. This can affect the diagnosis of conditions like gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining.
Unable to detect certain ulcers:
Ultrasound may miss small ulcers or those located on the posterior wall of the stomach lining.
It’s not a definitive test:
Abnormal findings on an ultrasound might require further diagnosis with other tests like endoscopy where a camera is inserted to get a better view of the stomach and its lining.
What are the benefits of choosing an ultrasound?
There are several benefits of ultrasound, they include:
- Most stomach ultrasound scans are non-invasive with any need for injections or needles.
- It is extremely safe and does not use radiation
- Usually mild discomfort may be experienced, but they are mostly not painful.
- They easily accessible and highly affordable
- They provide real-time results without much delay.
Important Takeaway:
Abdominal ultrasound is a safe and painless imaging procedure that offers valuable information about the digestive system. While it may not directly visualize the entire stomach lining, it effectively works in examining surrounding organs and identifying abnormalities that can indicate stomach lining. By combining ultrasound with other diagnostic procedures ultrasound can detect several abnormalities of the digestive system and many more. If you are looking to undergo ultrasound, reach out to the best ultrasound scan center in Coimbatore for the expert care.
