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Ultrasound - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

What is the treatment?

An ultrasound is a device that uses sonar and radio technology to create live images of the insides of our body. A sonography is a medical test that is conducted using an ultrasound device.

Sonography is most commonly associated with fetal imaging, to show pregnant women images of their unborn babies. However, this medical test is used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and conditions as well. Usually, this test is done externally, but in some cases, an ultrasound device is placed inside the body.

Medical professionals use an ultrasound device during biopsy procedures. The live images from sonography help them to navigate with precision. With pregnancy, the images from the ultrasound can help the doctor to monitor the fetus growing within the mother’s womb. Certain birth defects, the sex of the baby, weight of the baby and any potential issue can be determined using ultrasound imaging.

Ultrasound imaging can also be used in the diagnosis of certain conditions. It is used to examine conditions related to organs such as the bladder, ovaries, spleen, kidneys, liver, thyroid, uterus, testicles, eyes and blood vessels. However, using sonography for diagnosis and treatment has its limitations.

How is the treatment done?

Ultrasound tests are usually painless since they do not involve making incisions or getting injections. The ultrasound imaging is also safe as there is no radiation involved. Thus, it is ideal to examine the fetus during pregnancy. For a sonography, the doctor might recommend a12 hour fast and sufficient consumption of water before the test.

In an external ultrasound, the transducer is moved over the body part that requires examining. The ultrasound technician will first apply a gel over the area being examined. This gel lubricates the skin and the transducer is placed over the uterus to examine the fetus. This test can also be used to examine the gallbladder to detect a gallbladder disease or to examine a lump in the breast to diagnose cancer.

In an internal ultrasound, a transducer wand is used to probe the vagina for women and the rectum for men. This ultrasound imaging test helps in the diagnosis of abnormalities of the genitals. It is also used to diagnose certain types of cancer like that of the reproductive organs. Doctors use an internal ultrasound to examine the ovaries, uterus, certain glands or the prostate.

The third type of ultrasound imaging is conducted using a transducer probe. This endoscope is inserted through the mouth to probe the esophagus and examine it along with the stomach or the heart. The doctor will provide a sedative medication so that the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure.

The procedure lasts from 30 to 45 minutes. After the examination is complete, the technician or doctor will wipe away the gel to end the procedure.

Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)

In the following cases, the doctor will recommend an ultrasound test:

To examine lumps in the breast.
A sonography is recommended for pregnant women to monitor the unborn baby; in order to determine the sex of the baby and to detect any birth defects.
An ultrasound will be recommended to diagnose whether or not you have gallbladder disease.
To detect ovarian cysts
For men, an ultrasound test helps to detect any abnormality in the genitals, prostate or rectum.
The doctor can recommend a Doppler ultrasound to detect problems with blood flow and to examine the blood vessels.

Who is not eligible for the treatment?

An ultrasound examination is usually a relatively painless procedure that can be safely used even for a fetus in the womb. There are very few times that an ultrasound may not be recommended.

For instance, if a patient is overweight, the imaging may be unclear. This occurs because it is difficult for the high-frequency sound waves to pass through the excess of tissue. In these cases, the doctor might recommend an MRI or an X-ray instead.

The sound waves weaken as they pass through bones of high density. Thus, to examine the insides of the bone structure, an ultrasound might not suffice. The doctor will use another type of imaging equipment.

Are there any side effects?

With an ultrasound, there is no exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore, patients are rarely at risks with an ultrasound test. In external ultrasounds, the patients do not experience any side effect. However, the possible side effects of an internal ultrasound are a pain, discomfort and minor risk of internal bleeding. On the whole, ultrasound tests are safe.

What are the post-treatment guidelines?

The procedure of an ultrasound takes approximately half an hour after which you will be able to leave and resume activities. The results of the test will then be interpreted and revealed to you, either by a general physician or a trained ultrasound technician. If this test helps to diagnose the condition, the doctor will then suggest commencing the treatment process.

If the condition requires further evaluation, the trained medical professional will then recommend that you undergo other tests such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan. Then based on the findings from these tests along with the ultrasound, your condition will be diagnosed. Follow-up examinations might be recommended to monitor any alteration in the condition.

How long does it take to recover?

The ultrasound procedure is a medical imaging test with little to no risks or complications. Hence, there is no recovery process. You can resume normal activities as soon as the procedure is complete.

What is the price of the treatment in India?

The price of an ultrasound exam in India ranges from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000.

Are the results of the treatment permanent?

An ultrasound exam is a medical test. This procedure is used in diagnostics but does not treat conditions. Therefore, there can be neither a permanent nor a temporary result.

What are the alternatives to the treatment?

In some cases, an ultrasound might not provide a clear enough image and it has certain limitations. The doctor might recommend an X-ray, MRI, PET or CT scan as an alternative.

Safety: Very High Effectiveness: High Timeliness: High Relative Risk: Very Low Side Effects: Low Recovery Time: Very Low Price Range: Rs. 1000 - Rs. 3000

Popular Health Tips

Ultrasound - How Important Is It?

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Dr. Jagdish Prasad Mehrotra 92% (1547 ratings)

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We are mortals and changes are bound to happen in the functioning of our body and the organ's of the body with every passing day. How the body reacts to the external environment needs to be constantly studied. Therefore, It is important to keep a check of what's happening within your body and live a healthy life. The check could be need based as suggested by doctor to diagnose a disease or for a general health! Ultrasound scan is an important diagnostic measure to check the state of the organs inside our body via sound waves. It's is also known as sonogram, diagnostic sonography and ultrasonography. Types of Ultrasound Although all types of ultrasound basically work the same, but there are a few differences in the below listed types of ultrasound. Doctor's conduct the test basis the need. Doppler Ultrasound Obstetric Ultrasound 3D and 4D Ultrasound Echocardiograms Carotid Ultrasound How does it work and why it is done? It uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of some part of the inside of the body, such as heart and blood vessels, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, eyes, thyroid, and testicles. View the uterus and ovaries of a pregnant woman and assess her foetus Diagnose gallbladder disease Evaluate flow in blood vessels Assess abdominal pain or other concerns Guides a surgeon on a needle biopsy and treatment of a tumor Kidney Stones Pelvic ultrasound for ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, uterine growth and endometriosis The thyroid gland can be imaged using ultrasound looking for nodules, growths, or tumors Detect bulging of fluid from a swollen knee joint Veins evaluation to assess whether swelling in a leg is due to a blood clot, deep vein thrombosis or another cause Why Ultrasound is preferred over other methods Generally painless and does not require needles, injections or incisions. Patients aren't exposed to ionizing radiation, making the procedure safer than diagnostic techniques, such as X-rays and CT scans. In fact, there are no known harmful effects when used as directed by your healthcare provider. Ultrasound captures images of soft tissues that don't show up well on X-rays. Ultrasound is widely accessible and less expensive than other methods. It has some limitations, such as the sound waves do not transmit well through dense bones or parts of the body that may hold air or gas, such as the bowel and thus has a diagnostic limitation.

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Rotating The Fetus- What Are The Indications And Contradictions?

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Rotating The Fetus- What Are The Indications And Contradictions?

In a normal pregnancy, the baby develops with its head pointed down, and the head is usually the part which comes out first during normal delivery. However, in many cases, the baby could have its legs, feet, or buttocks pointing to the cervix. In a majority of cases, the baby may have this position, but rotates to have its head pointing down before the third trimester. However, this may not happen, and this is referred to as breech. In a lot of cases, the doctor would try to move the baby s head downwards usually around the 37th week, and this is referred to as external cephalic version (ECV) or even as version. The process is done externally by manipulation and hence the name external. It is done before labor and may allow for a vaginal birth. In very rare cases, it may be done during labor, but before the amniotic sac has ruptured. As a backup, there should be a provision for the patient to undergo C-section, if ECV is not successful. Indications: Single pregnancy, into 36 weeks of pregnancy, with no complications, and preferably not the first pregnancy No engagement of the fetus (any part) in the uterus Adequate amniotic fluid, which will provide a good environment to move the baby with minimal injury Contraindications: Suspected/known birth defects Multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets) Ruptured amniotic sac Fetus with a hyperextended neck Mother s health is not optimal and is on cardiac medications Condition that mandates a cesarean section (placental separation from the uterus, placenta covering the cervix, etc.) Procedure The fetal position is first estimated using an ultrasound. The position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid are also closely monitored. Under constant monitoring, the uterus is relaxed through medications. With one hand on the fetal head and another on the buttocks, the doctor tries to rotate the fetus. Depending on how much pressure the mother is able to tolerate and how flexible the uterus is, version may be successful (success rate is about 60%). A second attempt under epidural anesthesia may be done, if the first one did not succeed. However, the chances of success with subsequent attempts is very doubtful. The fetus is constantly monitored through ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring. A fetus is considered healthy if the heart rate moves up during this procedure. However, if the heart rate seems abnormally high, the procedure would be abandoned. After the procedure, the mother and the fetus would be monitored for a while before being sent home. As the fetus is constantly monitored throughout pregnancy, the doctor would be able to tell if this procedure is required.

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What You Can Expect After Undergoing Thoracic Ultrasound?

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What You Can Expect After Undergoing Thoracic Ultrasound?

When your doctor suspects of the presence of extra fluid in your lungs, you might be advised for a thoracic ultrasound. What is a thoracic ultrasound and why do you need it? With a thoracic ultrasound, your doctor will be able to look at everything in the thoracic cavity and can know if your lungs, heart, and other structures in the chest are working fine. The pulmonologists can efficiently determine the lung condition even in critically ill patients using a non-invasive ultrasound technique. And, since the method is based on sound, there is no risk of exposure to potentially harmful ionizing radiation or nephron-toxic contrast dye in this case. Hence, a thoracic ultrasound has become the most preferred technique for conducting a preliminary examination or to further check and confirm a finding noted using other imaging techniques for thoracic diseases. Reasons to have a chest ultrasound The doctor usually refer an ultrasound when he or she can feel that there is some extra amount of fluid in your chest. The ultrasound can tell the physician the reason behind the deposition of excess liquid. The ultrasound would help detect the type of fluid that is present in the chest, whether it is exudate that is caused due to inflammation, an infection, or lung cancer, or whether it is transudate that is a leakage from the lymph nodes or the blood vessel. It determines the movement of the diaphragm. Chest ultrasound can be done in conjunction with other examinations like CT scan, MRI to evaluate the condition of the chest. It has to be noted that, in certain circumstances such as severe obesity and barium in your esophagus, the procedure can give an inaccurate result. Hence, it is always advisable to talk with the health care provider and share your complete medical history before undergoing this procedure to prevent such occurrences. After a Thoracic Ultrasound After the results of the ultrasound are received, the doctor can detect what the condition of your chest is at the moment. Your doctor will also confirm if the lungs have collapsed or if there is water in the lungs, or excess fluid has deposited into the lungs. Ultrasound can also reveal if you have pneumonia. A diagnosis like this does not take a long duration, and thus the ultrasound plays a significant role in expediting the treatment process. There are no hard and fast regulations to follow after the ultrasound. The physician may recommend few instructions depending on your situation. In typical cases, there is no special preparation like fasting is required and you need not be sedated during the ultrasound as well. A safe and painless method to detect the condition of the chest and the respiratory organs and the blood flow through the organs in your chest, a thoracic ultrasound is a preferred procedure that can help your doctor to diagnose your condition and decide upon the treatment method.

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MBBS, MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK - London )

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Chromosomal Abnormalities - What Are The Two Steps To Diagnose It?

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Dear, Dr. im 4 months pregnant 3 month tak main dosara doctor ka pass check up kara abi march 1st ki four months ayaii dear doctor ka pass check up kar Dr. given medicine nd done ultrasound said that baby is safe, im started taken the medicine Dr. has given after taken such medicine my colour was changed please tell me wat happen to me Dr. was given folic acid, calcium nd multiminerals tab please tell me my baby was safe r not.

Dr. Girish Dani 90% (3233 ratings)

MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, FCPS, DGO, Diploma of the Faculty of Family Planning (DFFP)

Gynaecologist, Mumbai

" Dr. Was given folic acid, calcium nd multiminerals" these are vitamins and minerals which all pregnant ladies should take along with other nutritional supplements, vaccinations. Also other reports should be done. If any doubt no harm in getting ultrasonography done.

My period date was 16th February 2018 but still I didn't got my period and my husband stay far from me so no pregnancy also my Dr. given me cycloreg tablet for 3 days and menoreg syrup for 1 month and after my 3rd day of period Dr. told me for ultrasound scan for abdomen and pelvis for irregular menstruation my stomach temperature is hot please advice me for cool my stomach temperature please advice me as soon as possible.

Dr. Jatin Soni 94% (32968 ratings)

MBBS

General Physician, Mumbai

Avoid spicy food items and not to eat junk food and we also need to avoid peanuts and potatoes in our daily diet and Take tablet Pan-D before breakfast on empty stomach

Please suggest Today I have USG pelvic. I have to drink a lot of water and don't eat anything. Please clear my doubt what I have to do.

Dr. V.P. Bansal 91% (702 ratings)

MBBS, MD, DHMS (Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)

Homeopath, Indore

Eat all meals as usual on the day of the exam Take all medications that you generally take, including fluid pills Drink 32 ounces of fluid (water, juice) within 15 minutes, one hour prior to your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder prior to having this exam (bladder must be full)

Hi, sir mujhe bawaseer hai aur abhi pichle 3 Dino se mujhe potty thodi si AATI HAI aur mai abhyaarisht PE raha hu to kya mujhe ultrasound karana chayiye.

Dr. Jayvirsinh Chauhan 97% (8879 ratings)

MD - Homeopathy, BHMS

Homeopath, Vadodara

Ek bar Kara Lena behtar he. Aur agar ap chahe to iske liye homoeopathic treatment Kara sakte hai. Usse issme permanent solution la sakte he. Consult through Lybrate.

Is it possible cirrhosis or fibrosis with normal ultrasound and normal LFT test? Please reply some one.

Dr. Pulak Mukherjee 91% (3640 ratings)

BHMS

Homeopath,

Cirrhosis and fibrosis can be determined by symptoms as well as by ultrasound also,,best way to know is ct scan abdomen,,lft can indicate cirrhosis also

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