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Most of us have had ultrasound examinations at least once in our lives. They allow to determine the structure of individual organs, as well as to detect pathologies located within them. The most frequently performed examination is ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Even your family doctor can refer you to them. It is thanks to this test that the condition and size of the spleen and the liver are assessed, the enlargement of which may indicate serious health problems. During the examination, the kidneys are also checked.
Ultrasound examinations – course
In an ultrasound examination acoustic waves are used. They penetrate the body and begin to spread throughout it. These waves are reflected by internal organs. Each organ does it differently. Thanks to this, you can easily recognize their structure. Everything happens thanks to the head that is placed on the patient’s body. Applying the head is preceded by applying a gel, which greatly facilitates the conduction of waves. Abdominal examination in the event of disturbing symptoms is ordered very often, but it is also performed they are also prophylactic. Each ultrasound examination should be preceded by an interview with the patient.
Abdominal ultrasound examinations – how to prepare
How to prepare for the test? Adequate preparation for abdominal ultrasound is extremely important. Thanks to it, the image obtained during the examination will be correct. If you are going to perform abdominal ultrasound examination, you should follow some rules. A few days before the test date, you should refrain from eating heavy foods. Before the examination itself, we should not eat anything (minimum 8 hours). An examination performed on an empty stomach allows for greater visibility of the structures of internal organs. It should also be noted that smoking before the test is not recommended. All thanks to cigarette smoke, which can significantly distort the image seen on the monitor. Ideally, during the examination itself, the bladder is so full that we feel pressure. In some cases, it may be helpful to take a laxative the day before the test. However, it is always the doctor who decides about such a necessity.
Abdominal ultrasound examinations
Abdominal ultrasound examination is a method that allows to detect even minor pathologies. Usually, people who suffer from problems related to pain in the abdominal cavity are referred to him. They should be performed when there are suspicions that the patient has developed acute pancreatitis, as well as in the event of gastrointestinal bleeding. The indications for the examination are also attacks of renal colic or suspected dissection of the abdominal aorta. Abdominal ultrasound it is also an important part of the diagnosis of jaundice. They are also performed in people who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. They should be commissioned to people who have noticed an enlarged abdominal circumference and do not know the cause of this condition.