What are the types of pain that require immediate medical attention. How can you distinguish between ordinary aches and potentially life-threatening conditions. When should you seek emergency care for chest pain, abdominal discomfort, or severe headaches. Why is it crucial not to ignore certain pain symptoms.

Chest Pain: When Your Heart Might Be in Danger

Chest pain is perhaps the most concerning type of discomfort, as it can be a sign of a life-threatening heart condition. But how can you tell if your chest pain warrants immediate medical attention?

Dr. Neil Kirschen, medical director of the Pain Management Center of Long Island, highlights several red flags:

• A heavy sensation, as if an elephant is standing on your chest
• Pain radiating to the jaw or arms
• Difficulty breathing
• An overwhelming feeling of doom

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and require emergency care. However, not all chest pain is cardiac-related. If you can pinpoint a tight muscle causing the pain after physical activity, it may have a musculoskeletal origin. Nevertheless, given the potential severity of chest pain, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical evaluation.

Digestive Distress: When Stomach Pain Turns Serious

While occasional digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn are common, severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Dr. Jianguo Cheng, director of the Cleveland Clinic Pain Medicine Fellowship Program, emphasizes that intense abdominal pain could signal serious conditions such as:

• Appendicitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Stomach or bowel disorders
• Pancreatitis

Is all abdominal pain cause for concern? Not necessarily, but acute, severe pain in the abdomen often requires immediate medical attention, either in the emergency room or at a doctor’s office. Additionally, abdominal wall pain due to trauma or surgery typically needs thorough evaluation and aggressive treatment.

Urinary Discomfort: A Potential Sign of Infection or Stones

Pain during urination is a clear signal that something’s amiss in your urinary tract. But when should you seek medical help for this discomfort?

Dr. Cheng advises contacting your doctor if you experience pain while urinating. If you notice any of these additional symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Blood in your urine
• Fever
• Back pain

Painful urination often indicates a urinary tract infection, which is more prevalent in women than men. Another common cause could be kidney or bladder stones. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify the underlying issue and prevent potential complications.

Back Pain: Deciphering When It’s More Than Just a Strain

Back pain is ubiquitous, particularly as we age, making it challenging to determine when it requires medical attention. How can you distinguish between routine aches and potentially serious conditions?

Dr. Cheng recommends seeing a doctor if:

• The back pain is moderate to severe
• It persists for two weeks or more
• The pain is accompanied by numbness or weakness in the leg

In cases where back pain coincides with bowel or bladder dysfunction, immediate medical care is crucial. These symptoms could indicate nerve compression, and outcomes often directly correlate with the duration of compression.

When Back Pain Requires Emergency Care

While most back pain doesn’t necessitate a trip to the ER, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention:

• Sudden, severe back pain
• Back pain accompanied by fever
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Progressive weakness in the legs

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as spinal cord compression or cauda equina syndrome, which require urgent intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Headaches: When Your Head Pain Signals Danger

Headaches are among the most common health complaints, but how can you tell when a headache is more than just a nuisance? Dr. Kirschen emphasizes that certain headache characteristics warrant immediate medical investigation:

• The “worst headache of my life”
• Headaches becoming more frequent and intense
• Pain unrelated to activity

These symptoms could potentially indicate serious conditions such as a brain tumor or cerebral hemorrhage. While most headaches are benign, it’s crucial to be vigilant about changes in your headache patterns or severity.

Migraine vs. Dangerous Headache: Key Differences

How can you differentiate between a severe migraine and a potentially life-threatening headache? Consider these factors:

• Onset: Migraines typically develop gradually, while dangerous headaches often come on suddenly
• Associated symptoms: Migraines may include visual disturbances or nausea, while dangerous headaches might be accompanied by confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
• Response to treatment: Migraines usually respond to typical headache remedies, while dangerous headaches often don’t improve with standard treatments

If you’re unsure about the nature of your headache, especially if it’s severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Leg Pain: More Than Just Muscle Soreness

While leg pain is often attributed to overexertion or muscle strain, certain types of leg discomfort can signal more serious health issues. When should leg pain prompt a visit to the doctor?

Be particularly vigilant if you experience:

• Sudden, sharp, or severe pain in the leg
• Pain accompanied by tenderness or swelling in one leg
• Difficulty moving the affected leg

These symptoms could indicate a blood clot, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, leg pain associated with lower back discomfort might be a sign of sciatica, which may require medical intervention.

Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Hidden Danger in Leg Pain

One of the most serious causes of leg pain is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg. What are the key signs of DVT?

• Swelling in one leg
• Pain or tenderness in the calf
• Warm skin in the affected area
• Redness or discoloration of the skin

If you suspect DVT, seek immediate medical attention. A blood clot in the leg can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

Groin and Leg Pain in Females: Unique Considerations

While leg and groin pain can affect anyone, females may experience unique causes for this discomfort. What conditions might lead to pain in the groin that extends down the leg in women?

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pregnancy-related issues
• Hip joint problems
• Hernias

The type and location of pain can provide clues about its origin. For instance, endometriosis pain often worsens during menstruation, while hip joint issues might cause pain that’s exacerbated by movement.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Groin and Leg Pain

Female patients should consult a healthcare provider if they experience:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
• Pain that interferes with daily activities
• Groin pain accompanied by fever or unusual vaginal discharge
• Sudden, severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes for many conditions causing groin and leg pain in women.

The Importance of Timely Pain Management

Why is it crucial not to ignore certain types of pain? Pain serves as the body’s alarm system, alerting us to potential health issues. Ignoring persistent or severe pain can lead to:

• Delayed diagnosis of serious conditions
• Progression of underlying diseases
• Decreased quality of life
• Potential complications or life-threatening situations

Developing a pain management plan with your healthcare provider can help you address both acute and chronic pain effectively. This may include:

1. Identifying pain triggers
2. Exploring both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
3. Regular follow-ups to assess pain levels and treatment efficacy
4. Lifestyle modifications to support overall health and pain reduction

Remember, while not all pain signals a medical emergency, being attuned to your body and recognizing when pain patterns change or worsen is key to maintaining your health and well-being.

The Role of Pain in Diagnosis

How does pain assist healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions? Pain characteristics such as location, intensity, duration, and associated symptoms provide valuable diagnostic clues. For example:

• Sharp, stabbing chest pain might indicate a heart attack or pulmonary embolism
• Dull, persistent abdominal pain could suggest appendicitis or inflammatory bowel disease
• Throbbing headaches with visual disturbances might point to migraines

By accurately describing your pain to your healthcare provider, you can contribute to a more precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Chronic Pain: When Discomfort Becomes a Long-Term Issue

While acute pain often signals an immediate health concern, chronic pain presents its own set of challenges. How is chronic pain defined, and what impact can it have on overall health?

Chronic pain is typically defined as pain lasting for 3 months or more. It can result from:

• Ongoing health conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia
• Past injuries that have healed but left lasting pain
• Nerve damage or dysfunction
• Unknown causes (idiopathic pain)

The persistent nature of chronic pain can lead to various physical and psychological effects, including:

• Decreased mobility and physical function
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and depression
• Reduced quality of life

Managing Chronic Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Effective chronic pain management often requires a comprehensive strategy. What approaches can help individuals cope with long-term pain?

1. Medication management, including both over-the-counter and prescription options
2. Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
3. Psychological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy
4. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage
5. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise changes
6. Pain education to better understand and manage symptoms

Working with a pain specialist or a multidisciplinary pain management team can help develop a tailored approach to address chronic pain and improve overall quality of life.

Pain in Special Populations: Children and Elderly

Pain assessment and management can be particularly challenging in certain populations, such as children and the elderly. How do healthcare providers approach pain in these groups?

Pain in Children

Assessing pain in children requires special consideration due to their limited ability to communicate symptoms. Healthcare providers may use:

• Age-appropriate pain scales (e.g., faces pain scale for younger children)
• Behavioral observations
• Parent or caregiver reports

It’s crucial for parents and healthcare providers to be vigilant about changes in a child’s behavior or activity level, as these may indicate underlying pain or illness.

Pain in the Elderly

Elderly individuals may face unique challenges in pain management, including:

• Multiple health conditions that complicate pain assessment
• Cognitive impairments that affect communication
• Increased sensitivity to medication side effects

Healthcare providers may need to rely more heavily on observational cues and functional assessments when evaluating pain in older adults. Additionally, pain management strategies for the elderly often require careful consideration of potential drug interactions and side effects.

The Future of Pain Management: Emerging Therapies and Technologies

As our understanding of pain mechanisms evolves, new approaches to pain management are emerging. What innovative therapies and technologies are on the horizon for pain treatment?

• Targeted drug delivery systems
• Neuromodulation techniques
• Gene therapy for chronic pain
• Virtual reality for pain distraction and management
• Artificial intelligence for personalized pain treatment plans

These advancements hold promise for more effective, personalized pain management strategies in the future. However, it’s important to note that many of these approaches are still in development or early stages of clinical use.

The Role of Genetics in Pain Perception and Management

How do genetic factors influence an individual’s pain experience and response to treatment? Emerging research suggests that genetic variations can affect:

• Pain sensitivity thresholds
• Risk of developing chronic pain conditions
• Response to specific pain medications

As our understanding of the genetic basis of pain grows, it may lead to more tailored pain management approaches based on an individual’s genetic profile.

In conclusion, pain serves as a crucial warning system for our bodies, alerting us to potential health issues that require attention. While not all pain signals a medical emergency, it’s essential to be aware of the types of pain that warrant immediate medical evaluation. By staying attuned to your body and seeking timely medical care when necessary, you can protect your health and well-being. Remember, when in doubt about the severity of your pain or if you’re experiencing any of the concerning symptoms discussed, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional.

6 Types of Pain You Shouldn’t Ignore

Severe pain is trying to tell you about a health problem going on inside your body — and paying heed to these warning signs may just save your life.

Medically Reviewed

The Risks of Ignoring Pain

How do you know when the pain you’re feeling is just ordinary, run-of-the-mill achiness or something much more serious that warrants medical attention? Make no mistake: Ignoring certain types of pain can have dire consequences. After all, if you miss the warnings of heart attack, you risk sudden death. That’s why you should be aware of these six pain symptoms and be ready to act with a pain management plan for each situation.

Chest Pain

Of all the types of pain, chest pain is the most worrisome. Neil Kirschen, MD, medical director of the Pain Management Center of Long Island in Rockville Centre, N.Y., says the symptoms that require emergency attention include a heavy feeling like an elephant is standing on your chest, pain radiating to the jaw or arms, difficulty getting air, and an overwhelming feeling of gloom.

There are instances of less serious chest pain symptoms: “If you perform physical activity and later experience chest pain where you can actually touch the tight muscle causing it, then you may consider a musculoskeletal origin of the pain,” says Dr. Kirschen. However, due to the seriousness of chest pain, it makes sense to err on the side of caution.

Digestive Issues

Most of us experience run-of-the-mill digestive pain symptoms from time to time. These can include health problems such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and heartburn. While these usually don’t warrant a trip to the doctor, one symptom that does require immediate action is severe abdominal pain. “That kind of pain is often is a sign of a serious abdominal health problem such as appendicitis, gallbladder disease, stomach or bowel disorders, or pancreatitis,” says Jianguo Cheng, MD, PhD, director of the Cleveland Clinic Pain Medicine Fellowship Program. “Most acute abdominal pain needs immediate medical attention, either in the ER or doctor’s office. Abdominal wall pain due to trauma or surgery also frequently requires thorough medical evaluation and aggressive treatment,” Dr. Cheng adds.

Painful Urination

There’s no room for ambiguity here: If you experience pain when urinating, call your doctor for an appointment. And if your pain symptoms include blood in your urine, fever, or back pain, get immediate attention. “Painful urination often is related to urinary tract infection, which is more common in women than in men,” says Cheng. “Another common cause is a kidney stone or bladder stone.”

Back Pain

It can be hard to know when to take back pain seriously because it’s one of the most common types of pain and a health problem that many people experience as they get older. As a result, developing a management plan for back pain can be complex. Cheng suggests seeing your doctor if the back pain is moderate to severe or lasts for two weeks or more. “Patients with back pain should also seek medical care if the back pain is associated with numbness or weakness of the leg,” he says. “In cases of back pain with bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, immediate medical care is required, and patients should go to the ER or doctor’s office with no delay. Compression of the nerves serving these functions may be the cause, and the outcomes are often related directly to the duration of the compression.”

Severe Headache

When it comes to common health problems, headache is certainly at or near the top of the list. When headache pain becomes severe, though, the outcome can be quite serious. “The ‘worst headache of my life’ should definitely be investigated,” says Kirschen. “Headaches that are becoming more frequent, more intense, and [that are] unrelated to activity should be looked into. You want to make sure that a brain tumor doesn’t exist, or a cerebral hemorrhage.”

Leg Pain

Overexert yourself, even from a pleasant physical activity like walking or cycling, and you’re likely to experience soreness in your legs. But when the pain comes on suddenly and is sharp or severe, you may be facing a more serious health problem. Most worrisome is pain with tenderness or swelling in one leg because of the possibility of a blood clot, which can be life-threatening if missed.

While a blood clot is certainly the most serious health problem, it’s not the only type of leg pain that warrants medical attention. Leg pain can be associated with the lower back pain usually known as sciatica. Any leg pain that seems to be getting worse or is affecting movement — you’re unable to raise your foot, for instance — should be checked by a physician.

6 causes of pain in the groin and down the leg in females

When pain in the groin extends down the leg, it can make sitting, walking, and other tasks uncomfortable. The type of pain a person has and when they experience it may give clues about the cause.

In this article, we look at the potential causes of pain in the groin and down the leg and their treatment options.

1. Pregnancy-related pain

Pregnancy can put pressure on the muscles.

Many pregnant women experience something called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). According to a 2012 case report, SPD occurs in 31.7% of pregnant women.

SPD happens when the ligaments that help align the pelvis stretch too much, causing pain and instability.

A person may feel a radiating shooting or stabbing pain in their lower abdomen, groin, back, thigh, leg, and perineum. The perineum is the area of skin between the scrotum or vulva and the anus.

SPD can get worse when a person changes position, walks, or climbs stairs.

Treatment

This kind of pain typically goes away on its own after pregnancy.

However, treatment options can include:

• soft tissue therapy, which is a type of massage
• pregnancy support belts
• pelvic blocks
• physical therapy

2. Fibromyalgia 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia is a chronic pain that causes widespread muscle pain.

One 2015 article states that females with fibromyalgia report bothersome pelvic floor symptoms and may experience pelvic pain.

Fibromyalgia pain can originate at specific tender points throughout the body.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• fatigue
• pain in the muscles and joints
• difficulty paying attention
• depression
• anxiety
• sleep problems
• headaches
• tingling in the hands and feet
• pain in the face and jaw
• digestive conditions, such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain

Treatment

Treatment options can include:

• Exercise: This can help with pain and improve sleep.
• Medication: A person may require over-the-counter painkillers or antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
• Stress management: Examples can include yoga and meditation.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This can help with depression.

3. Pelvic floor dysfunction 

The pelvic floor helps support the bladder and reproductive organs.

Pregnancy, age, and some injuries, such as severe tears during childbirth, may weaken the pelvic floor.

Many females with pelvic floor issues experience no pain but have trouble holding in urine, especially when jumping or running.

Some people, however, experience lower back pain that can radiate to the thighs and groin.

There are different types of pelvic floor dysfunction, and symptoms can vary.

Some common symptoms can include:

• feeling vaginal heaviness that worsens during the day
• seeing or feeling a bulge coming out of the vagina
• difficult urinating
• a frequent need to urinate
• feeling pain while urinating

Treatment

Pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy may help. People with severe pelvic floor injuries may need surgery.

4. Sciatica 

Sciatic pain originates in the sciatic nerve, which begins in the lower back and branches down the legs.

Sciatica can happen for many reasons, including a herniated disc, damage to structures surrounding the nerve, or diabetic nerve pain.

Sciatic pain usually extends down just one leg, though it is possible to feel it on both sides.

People may describe numbness, burning, or a sensation of pins and needles.

Treatment

Approximately 80–90% of people with sciatica get better over time without surgery, typically, within several weeks.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help ease sciatic pain in the meantime.

When sciatica does not get better after a few weeks, a person may need physical therapy, injections, or surgery in more severe cases.

5. Myofascial pain 

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that causes pain that originates at trigger points.

These points may resemble hard muscle knots that are very painful to the touch.

The pain may radiate to other areas. For example, a person might have a hip trigger point that causes hip or groin pain that radiates down the legs.

Trigger point pain causes aching or throbbing. When a person massages trigger points, the pain may get very intense, or feel like burning.

Treatment

Massage, exercise, improving posture, and becoming more active may help.

It may also help to apply heat to the area where the pain originates.

Medications include steroids or muscle relaxants.

Other medical treatment options can include:

• Cold laser: A healthcare professional exposes the trigger point to low level infrared light.
• Dry needling: A healthcare professional inserts a needle into the trigger point.
• Wet needling: This is the same as dry needling but includes injecting a numbing agent or steroid.
• Electrical stimulation: A electrode causes the trigger point to rapidly contract.

6. Soft tissue injuries 

Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles surrounding the pelvis in females can cause pain at the site of the injury, and pain that radiates elsewhere.

An example is when a person with a hip strain experiences pain in the hip or groin, and pain radiating down the leg.

The pain usually feels achy, and ranges from mild to so intense the individual cannot sleep.

Treatment

Rest, ice, and elevation may help with soft tissue injury pain.

However, some more severe injuries require surgery or other medical treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pain affecting the groin and legs in females can be challenging. This may be especially so if the person does not experience the pain while at the doctor’s office.

To diagnose the pain, a doctor might suggest:

• X-rays to look for bone and joint injuries
• imaging scans, such as an MRI
• bloodwork to look for signs of infection

A doctor will also ask questions about a person’s medical history, and sometimes about their family’s medical history.

It is important to tell a doctor about all symptoms, even those that might not seem related to the pain.

When to see a doctor

Mild pain in the leg and groin areas in females can go away on its own, and many soft tissue injuries heal without special intervention.

Aches and pains related to pregnancy usually ease after the birth, but a number of interventions during pregnancy may help.

People may wish to see a doctor if:

• The pain is intense enough to interfere with functioning.
• A person has other symptoms, such as a fever.
• The individual’s pain steadily gets worse.
• Treatment that a doctor recommends does not help.
• A person has sleep difficulties because of the pain.

It is sensible to go to the emergency room if:

• the pain follows a fall
• pain makes movement impossible
• any part of the body becomes numb

Summary 

Pain in the groin can be alarming. In most cases, the pain is an inconvenience, not a sign of a serious health problem. That does not mean a person has to live with the discomfort.

A doctor can diagnose the cause and offer a wide range of treatment options, so do not delay care.

Abdominal pain in women

• Main
• Ultrasound of organs and soft tissues
• Abdominal pain in women

Content:

1. In which area of ​​the abdomen is the pain?
2. How often does the stomach hurt?
3. When is an ultrasound needed?
4. What will the ultrasound show?
5. Abdominal ultrasound in Moscow
6. Study preparation
7. Convenient, safe and informative

In what area of ​​the abdomen is the pain?

Every seventh woman goes to the doctor with complaints of abdominal pain. It is difficult to immediately understand why the stomach hurts: organs of different systems (gastrointestinal tract, urinary, genital) are located in the abdominal cavity. And each of the organs can become a source of pain.

Tell your doctor about your symptoms

This question will be asked to you by your doctor. Listen to your own feelings and try to determine the nature and location of the pain:

• stitching, cutting, pulling sensations in the abdomen;
• girdle pain;
• without projection – gives in the back, under the shoulder blade, in the arm, in the groin, in the legs.

Associated symptoms:

• stomach discomfort after eating;
• heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• discoloration of the skin;
• increased gas formation;

1. In the upper part of the abdominal cavity (pit of the stomach) the pain is dull, sharp, cutting, aching and arching. The pain may be accompanied by belching, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, flatulence – there is a high probability of esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers and other diseases.

2. Right under the ribs . The pain here can be sharp, sharp, squeezing, pulling. Sometimes it gives to the right shoulder and the right side of the chest, nausea, vomiting, bitterness in the mouth appear. Of the possible diagnoses: inflammation of the gallbladder – cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, diseases of the urinary system are not excluded.

3. Pain on the left and in the left hypochondrium , nausea, vomiting, dryness and an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth indicate inflammation of the pancreas, exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and 12 duodenal ulcer, and if the color of the stool changes – a dangerous condition – bleeding with an ulcer stomach.

4. In the middle of the abdomen (above the navel) – aching, cutting, pulling pains, burning sensation “in the pit of the stomach”, accompanied by flatulence and upset stool, may indicate gastritis, reflux esophagitis, esophagitis and gastric ulcer.

5. Pain in the navel, flatulence – often signal the development of colitis – inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. A protrusion in the navel may be due to an umbilical hernia.

6. Pain in the lumbar region on the right or left – is acute, cutting, stabbing, radiating to the lower back, groin, perineum or lower abdomen. Such discomfort is caused by renal colic in acute and chronic diseases. In addition, appendicitis or inflammation of the ovaries is possible.

7. Lower abdomen. If a sudden, sharp or pulling pain periodically occurs in this area, which radiates to the perineum, to the anus, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. Perhaps the reason is the disease of the female genital area.

8. Right lower abdomen. Dull, sharp pain that moves from the epigastric to the right iliac region of the abdomen, accompanied by fever, nausea and single vomiting without relief – a symptom of appendicitis. You should immediately call a doctor.

9. Whole belly. Persistent abdominal pain, nausea, weakness, high fever are symptoms of peritonitis. Urgent medical attention is needed.

How often does your stomach hurt?

Tell your doctor about the nature of the pain. This important information will help him quickly understand the situation, so be prepared to answer clearly and specifically. Abdominal pain may be:

• sharp. Appears suddenly, keeps constantly or grows with spasms. Often accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, impaired consciousness;
• chronic. This is tolerable discomfort when something constantly “whines” in the abdomen, especially after eating;
• recurrent – chronic but not permanent. This pain disappears and reappears.

When an abdominal ultrasound is needed

The procedure is indicated for abdominal pain, and will help to find out how dangerous they are. This is the simplest and most informative method of research, evaluation of the dynamics of treatment, it has no age restrictions. An ultrasound scan is prescribed by a doctor (therapist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, allergist) if the patient is concerned about:

• stitching, cutting, pulling sensations in the abdomen;
• girdle pain;
• stomach discomfort after eating;
• heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• discoloration of the skin;
• increased gas formation;
• frequent loose stools not associated with intestinal infection;
• abdominal trauma;
• chronic diseases.

If any of these symptoms should immediately call an ambulance!

Depending on the results of the ultrasound, the attending physician may add MRI and laboratory tests to the diagnostic methods.

What will ultrasound of the abdomen show

On an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, the doctor examines and evaluates the condition of the liver, kidneys and ureters, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder (shape, size, presence of additional intra- and periorgan formations), bile ducts. The specialist checks the patency of the vessels of the abdominal cavity, the gates of the liver, the presence of lymph nodes along the intestine. Indirectly, according to certain signs, an assessment of the intestine is carried out.

Abdominal ultrasound in Moscow

For diagnostics, our Clinic uses expert-class ultrasound equipment. This high-precision equipment with digital imaging technology and Doppler signal processing makes it possible to distinguish the slightest changes in the structure of organ tissues. The ultrasound machine is equipped with a color power doppler, multi-frequency sensors, a dynamic display and intelligent control technology.

Ultrasound examinations in the Center are performed by experts:

• Churikov Dmitry Alexandrovich, specialist in ultrasound diagnostics of the highest qualification category, Candidate of Medical Sciences;
• Egorova Olga Vladimirovna – chief physician of the clinic “First Phlebological Center”, therapist, doctor of ultrasound diagnostics.

After the procedure, the patient receives a detailed assessment of the state of the abdominal organs and a “road map”: what to do next. The conclusion of the ultrasound doctor is not a diagnosis. As a rule, the procedure is included in the set of prescribed examinations (instrumental, laboratory). Therefore, in order to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to contact a referring specialist.

Preparation for abdominal ultrasound

To ensure that the diagnostic results are as accurate as possible, prepare for the study in advance. For this you need:

1. Refuse products that promote gas formation 2-3 days before the procedure.

2. With a tendency to constipation – use a mild laxative (microclysters, rectal suppositories, drops).

3. On the day of the ultrasound, do not eat for 6-8 hours, do not drink water for 1 hour before the procedure.

The study lasts 20 – 40 minutes.

Convenient safe informative

We are advised to relatives and friends for the high level of professionalism and well-coordinated work of the staff of the First Phlebological Center. The Clinic strictly observes the measures of sanitary safety and protection against COVID-19. For clients, an appointment is available at a convenient time, free parking nearby, free Wi-Fi, tea or coffee – to relieve stress and feel at home. All procedures are carried out exactly at the appointed time.

Pain in the “pit of the stomach” – causes and symptoms

It is better to consult a doctor, rather than looking for answers on the Internet yourself and wasting your time!

PAIN IN THE STOMACH is a serious signal, and sometimes – a “cry” of the body about its problem. This is one of the most common complaints in patients with diseases not only of the gastrointestinal tract, but also of other body systems. Sometimes even specialists find it difficult to immediately find out the cause of the pain. It is important to know that abdominal pain sometimes requires emergency care.

PAIN IN THE EPIGASTRIUM (“UNDER THE SPOON”, EPIGASTRALGIA) – pain in the abdomen, localized between the xiphoid process of the sternum and the navel. It can be associated with many diseases not only of the gastrointestinal tract, but also of other organs. Pain in the epigastrium is acute and chronic.

Acute pain in the epigastrium occurs abruptly, grows rapidly and becomes so intense and unbearable that it disrupts human activity. This pain can be cutting, bursting, cramping, stabbing or “dagger” in nature.

“Symptoms of anxiety”: if acute abdominal pain is severe, accompanied by fever, chills, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal distention, constipation or diarrhea, black, tarry stools, tension of the anterior abdominal wall, sharp pain when lightly touching the abdomen or pushing the bed – you should immediately consult a doctor, as an examination of the abdomen, blood tests, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal cavity and possibly other studies to rule out acute surgical and other severe pathology.

Causes of acute epigastric pain:

• acute appendicitis (at the beginning of the disease)

• diseases of the stomach and duodenum (acute gastritis, ulcer, cancer)

• hiatal hernia (strangulation)

• diseases of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis, cysts, cancer)

• diseases of the biliary system (acute cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and biliary colic, biliary dyskinesia with gallbladder spasm)

• bowel diseases (inflammatory diseases, cancer of the transverse colon)

• abdominal vascular disease (dissecting aortic aneurysm, thrombosis and embolism of abdominal vessels)

• hernia of the white line of the abdomen (strangulation)

• diseases of the nervous system (shingles (herpes zoster), damage to the solar plexus, intercostal neuralgia)

• heart diseases (acute myocardial infarction, acute pericarditis)

Chronic epigastric pain – present continuously or intermittently for 3 or more months.