Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit Lagos clinics and hospitals. While many causes are harmless, some require urgent medical attention. Ultrasound scanning is a safe, non-invasive way for doctors to identify the source of your pain quickly. Here’s how it works and what conditions it can detect.
🚨 Common Causes of Abdominal Pain Diagnosed by Ultrasound
1. Gallbladder Issues (Gallstones, Cholecystitis)
✔ Symptoms: Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea or abdominal pain after eating oily food
✔ What ultrasound shows: Stones, inflammation, or blocked bile ducts
2. Liver Problems (Fatty Liver, Hepatitis, Abscesses)
✔ Symptoms: Dull ache on the right side, jaundice, fatigue
✔ What ultrasound shows: Swelling, cysts, or abnormal tissue
3. Kidney Stones or Infections
✔ Symptoms: Flank pain, painful urination, blood in urine
✔ What ultrasound shows: Stone location, kidney swelling, or blockages
4. Appendicitis (Early Detection Before Rupture)
✔ Symptoms: Sudden pain near the belly button shifting to the lower right
✔ What ultrasound shows: Swollen appendix, fluid buildup
5. Pancreatitis or Pancreatic Abnormalities
✔ Symptoms: Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
✔ What ultrasound shows: Inflammation, cysts, or duct blockages
6. Intestinal Obstruction or Hernias
✔ Symptoms: Cramping, bloating, vomiting
✔ What ultrasound shows: Loops of swollen intestine, trapped organs
7. Gynecological Causes (Ovarian Cysts, Ectopic Pregnancy)
✔ Symptoms: Pelvic pain, irregular bleeding
✔ What ultrasound shows: Cysts, fibroids, or abnormal pregnancies
🔍 How the Scan Works for Abdominal Pain
What to Expect During Your Ultrasound
- Preparation:
- Fasting for 8 hours (for upper abdominal scans)
- Full bladder (for pelvic or early pregnancy-related scans)
- Procedure:
- You'll lie on an exam table
- Warm gel is applied to your abdomen
- A probe glides over the area (no pain, just slight pressure)
- Duration: Typically 15-30 minutes
Why Ultrasound Over Other Tests?
✔ No radiation (safer than X-rays or CT scans)
✔ Immediate results (doctor can see issues in real-time)
✔ Cost-effective (cheaper than MRI or CT scan in Lagos)
⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Ultrasound
Go immediately if you have:
🔴 Severe, unrelenting pain
🔴 Pain with fever/vomiting
🔴 Signs of internal bleeding (pale skin, dizziness)
🔴 Inability to pass stool/gas (possible obstruction)
Lagos Traffic Alert: Don't delay—serious conditions like appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy need same-day evaluation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can ultrasound detect stomach ulcers?
A: No, endoscopy is better for ulcers—but ultrasound can spot complications like perforations or intra-abdominal bleed.
Q: Is ultrasound enough, or will I need more tests?
A: Ultrasound is often the first step. Blood tests or CT scans may follow if needed.
Q: Can children have abdominal ultrasounds?
A: Yes! It's safe and commonly used for kids with stomach pain.
Q: How soon will I get results?
A: In most Lagos clinics, preliminary findings are available immediately, with a full report within 24 hours.
💡 Why Early Ultrasound Matters for Abdominal Pain
Many patients ignore persistent stomach pain until it becomes unbearable. Early ultrasound can:
✔ Prevent life-threatening complications (e.g., burst appendix)
✔ Guide proper treatment (medication vs. surgery)
✔ Save money by avoiding unnecessary tests
📢 Don’t Suffer in Silence!
If you or a loved one has unexplained abdominal pain:
1️⃣ Visit a doctor immediately
2️⃣ Request an ultrasound scan
3️⃣ Follow recommended treatment
📞 Book a scan today at a trusted Lagos clinic near you!