Diagnostic ultrasound, also known as sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging procedure that generates images of structures within your body by applying sound waves. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and directing treatment for various conditions and diseases. Sonography does not involve the use of needles or other instruments that penetrate the skin, making it a relatively safe and comfortable procedure for most individuals. Also, it produces clear images that can be easily interpreted by physicians.
As a sonography tool, it is effective for diagnosing a huge variety of medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging provides many uses in health care, from confirming and dating a pregnancy to guiding doctors and diagnosing certain disorders. For issues related to the abdomen, ultrasound is used to examine the abdominal organs and blood vessels. An abdominal ultrasound helps doctors diagnose many ailments, including inflammatory bowel disease or kidney problems. A doctor may use an ultrasound to diagnose conditions such as :
- abdominal pain
- liver disease
- kidney stones
- gallstones
- inflammatory conditions, such as appendicitis or pancreatitis
- abdominal aortic aneurysm
- abdominal growths, such as tumours
- pyloric stenosis
- hernia
- cancer
- kidney stones or kidney stone fragments
Is Ultrasound Safe?
Studies have shown that ultrasound is generally safe. There are no known harmful side effects, and there is virtually no discomfort during the test. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation, as X-ray tests do
Overall, abdominal ultrasounds are a useful tool in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, and they are a safe and non-invasive option for medical imaging