Medicine does not stand still, there are new more technologically advanced devices that allow you to assess a person's condition more accurately and informatively. Ultrasound devices are also being improved. Currently, it is possible to do an ultrasound of the esophagus, the results of which make it possible to make a diagnosis. It is worth saying that this examination method is by far the most effective and less traumatic compared to gastroscopy.
It is worth saying that now, by means of ultrasound of the esophagus, you can see not only the stomach, but also the internal parts of the intestine. A few years ago it was believed that it was impossible to obtain reliable results about the state of the intestine using ultrasound examination devices, but now it will work.
What is the method
Many people have heard about such a method of examining the body as an ultrasound of the esophagus, but not everyone can specifically say something about it. The essence of the method lies in the fact that by means of a high-frequency sound wave propagating throughout the space of the internal organ, it is examined.
Ultrasound is reflected from the borders of the organ and displays the resulting image on the monitor. Only a specialist of the required qualification can decipher the result. He sees what changes and deformations are present or absent in the human body. Many medical institutions now have 3D or 4D imaging techniques. It is able to display a clear picture in color on the monitor. Thus, doctors have the opportunity to accurately assess the patient's condition and prescribe the desired treatment regimen.
Carrying out
During the esophageal ultrasound procedure, the patient is in the supine position. A semi-recumbent position is also allowed. Thus, the examination is carried out in comfortable conditions that do not allow any discomfort. The only inconvenience is that a special agent in the form of a gel is applied to the patient's body. It is necessary in order to increase the adhesion between the sensor and the body of the person being examined.
You should know that ultrasound of the esophagus and stomach excludes electromagnetic effects on the human body. Therefore, no harm is done by this method. Due to this property, ultrasound can be performed both for women who are carrying a child and for children. It is worth saying that it can be difficult for babies to conduct any medical examinations, since it is not known what reaction the child will have. Is it possible to do an ultrasound of the esophagus in infants? Yes, because this method is suitable for children's perception. In addition, it does not cause any pain. the onlyan uncomfortable moment can be the application of the gel on the skin of the child. But, as a rule, doctors with experience easily get around this moment, namely, they make it so that the child does not focus on the gel that is applied to the skin.
When an ultrasound is prescribed
As a rule, an ultrasound examination is prescribed to patients to clarify their diagnosis. The fact is that there are cases when the patient describes his symptoms in such a way that the doctor has doubts about the diagnosis. Then the patient is given a referral for an ultrasound examination, according to the results of which the picture of his internal organs becomes clear to the doctor.
Ultrasound baby
It also happens that the patient, due to his childhood, cannot describe the reasons for his anxiety. Therefore, it is required to conduct an ultrasound of the esophagus in a child. In addition to the above cases of prescribing this type of examination, it is done to infants. In this version, it is almost the only possible way to determine the cause of the baby's anxiety. It should be said that thanks to technological progress, doctors have the opportunity to diagnose the disease with a high degree of accuracy.
For example, a problem such as spitting up after feeding a large volume of a baby may be a reason to refer him for an ultrasound examination. Of course, this is done after examining the baby by all specialists. If none of them gives a conclusion that the baby has any pathology, and abundantregurgitation remains, then the only way to find out what is the reason for such a reaction of the body is to conduct an ultrasound examination. You should know that gastroendoscopy is not performed in this age period.
What research shows
For people who have reached adulthood, the referral for ultrasound can be given by the attending physician if the patient has several indications for this type of examination. You should be aware that several diseases can be detected by ultrasound of the esophagus. What does this study show? On the monitor, you can notice signs of pathologies such as:
- Hernia of the diaphragm, namely its esophageal opening.
- Esophagitis. This concept refers to various inflammations that occur in the human esophagus.
- Defects associated with the esophagus of the human body.
- Diverticula. These are bags of a hernia-like nature.
- Ulcer.
- Gastritis.
- Oncological processes.
- Stenosis.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Violation in the structure of the stomach.
- Appendicitis.
- Crohn's disease.
- Lymphadenitis.
- Tumours.
- Hemorrhages.
- Ascites.
- Stones.
- Incontinence.
- Constipation.
- Disturbances in the structure of the rectum.
Ultrasound of the esophagus. Preparation and recommendations before undergoing an ultrasound examination
You should know that preparation for ultrasound is necessary in all cases, regardless of which organ is being examined. At its corethe recommendations that a patient must follow before an ultrasound are quite simple. But they should not be neglected, since non-compliance with these requirements can distort the results of the survey. And this will lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
There are several preparatory steps:
- First of all, two days before the expected time of the ultrasound on the gastrointestinal tract, the patient needs to start following a special diet. It lies in the fact that foods that can cause gas and flatulence are excluded from his diet. The list of these food products includes: beans, peas, cabbage, black bread, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, raw vegetables, fruits.
- No need to eat before the ultrasound. The time that should be limited for eating is from 10 to 12 hours minimum. The patient should look at what time of day the procedure is scheduled. If it is early morning hours, then you need to finish eating at 20:00. When an ultrasound is scheduled for daytime or evening, you will have to be patient and not eat all day. This rule does not apply to children. If the child is older, then you can limit him to food at least 4 hours before the examination time. As for children who are in infancy, they should not be limited in feeding and you can come for an ultrasound at any time.
- It is also forbidden to smoke before the ultrasound. This is due to the fact that the examination should be carried out on a completely empty stomach. Also, don't drink anything. In this case, there may be exceptions. They belong to those patients who cannot endure fasting, namely, they have pain in the stomach. Such people are allowed to drink some warm sweet tea. Its dose should not exceed half a glass. It is also allowed to eat one cookie. It must be dry.
- If an ultrasound examination is done to study the small intestine, then the patient needs to additionally cleanse it.
Important points in the procedure
In the case when the doctor gives a referral for an ultrasound scan, it is his responsibility to advise the patient on what preparatory moments he needs to carry out. The attending physician makes recommendations based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
When a person undergoes an ultrasound of the stomach, during the procedure he will be asked to drink water in a certain amount. This measure is necessary for a more accurate examination. The fact is that during the filling of the stomach with liquid, its walls are stretched. Then the picture on the monitor becomes clearer. In addition, the rate at which water enters the stomach is assessed. According to this indicator, conclusions can be drawn about the presence or absence of any pathologies in the body. It is also possible to enter a contrast fluid into the body. The patient usually lies on their back during the ultrasound. However, he may be asked to turn on his side.
Features of ultrasound in a child
As mentioned above, ultrasound for children provides a uniquethe opportunity to obtain data on the state of their body. The fact is that babies cannot describe the symptoms on the basis of which they will be diagnosed. And by means of an ultrasound of the esophagus and stomach of a child, the doctor has a way to determine which pathology is bothering.
When preparing a child for the procedure, you must follow a diet. It is also recommended to limit it in food intake, at least for a few hours before the procedure. An important point is the psychological preparation of the baby. Parents should have a conversation with him, it is better to demonstrate how the ultrasound examination is carried out.
Conclusion
Now you know what an ultrasound of the esophagus is, how this procedure is done. Our article provides tips on how to prepare for a study.
