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12/May/2025

Abstract

In the present blog, we will go deeper into the topic of women’s spleen pain and causes, what it can feel like, why it may occur and when it is necessary to contact the doctor. Our attention will focus on what the symptoms of an enlarged spleen may look like, and the different causes of spleen pain will be explained. The function of this so often overlooked organ will be discussed by you, you will learn the signal symptoms which may indicate something is incorrect, and you will find out how modern scanning techniques can detect any problems early on.

Introduction

Has that ever happened to you, that you felt strange pain in the left side of your ribs and had no idea what caused it? You are not alone! Right there is one of the body’s most undervalued organs: the spleen. Consider it a relatively humble colleague who arranges vital tasks without receiving notice. If there is a tendency for you to get any discomfort from this invisible organ, do not ignore it.

One doctor described the spleen as the middle child of your abdominal organs, rarely mentioned except for its important role in overall health. The region should be of special attention for women because awareness of what this pain indicates and knowing the causes of spleen pain can help avoid needless anxiety or elicit needed medical care.

What are the critical functions of your spleen?

Did you know that your body has a fist-sized organ lying under your left ribs, hiding there – the spleen? That is your spleen! Though it does not receive much attention, this organ plays a significant role in your body’s defence mechanisms as well.

Consider your spleen as a filter for your blood and a vault for your body’s cells. It:

  • Gets rid of and throws away outdated or useless red blood in your bloodstream.
  • Catches backplatelets and healthy red blood cells to use when we need them
  • Helps to defend against certain infections.
  • Helps your body recycle iron from old red blood cells.

You can live without your spleen if it is needed (doctors try to keep it as long as possible since it has important functions). While your body can cope by assuming the responsibilities, you will have more chances of having certain infections.

What causes spleen pain in women?

Some women complain of upper left abdominal ache, which a problem in the spleen could cause, but it is usually dismissed as originating from gastrointestinal or cardiac issues. Splenomegaly, the enlargement of the spleen, is often the main cause of complaints of pain in the spleen.

Research in the American Family Physician journal explicates that an enlarged spleen might develop, but it is not a disease; it is an extraneous manifestation of another illness (Chapman & Bandara, 2020).

Common Causes of Spleen Enlargement in Women

 The enlargement of the spleen might be caused by a variety of reasons, including:

Cause Category Specific Examples Relative Frequency
Infections Mononucleosis, bacterial endocarditis, malaria Very common
Blood disorders Anaemia, leukaemia, and lymphoma Common
Liver diseases Cirrhosis, hepatitis Common
Autoimmune conditions Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis Somewhat common
Trauma Injury, accident Less common
Cysts or tumours Benign or malignant growths Rare

 

What are the symptoms that your spleen may be causing you pain?

It is not uncommon for spleen problems to go unnoticed until symptoms worsen. However, certain warning signals can point to difficulties with the spleen.

Point out that the main symptoms of an enlarged spleen are:

  • Discomfort or fullness in the left upper side of the abdomen that may radiate to the left side of the shoulder.
  • Felling overfull long before or even with little food
  • Anaemia with fatigue and weakness
  • More frequent infections
  • Easy bleeding or bruising

How does pain due to the spleen manifest itself?

Some aspects distinguish spleen pain from ordinary discomforts;

  • Location: A little to the left and below the ribcage
  • Quality: It can present in the form of a sharp, dull, or achy type of pain.
  • Movement effects: Pain may worsen with deep breathing or changing into a specific body position.
  • Referred pain: A known traveller to and into the tip of the left shoulder.

When experiencing any of the following, an appointment with a healthcare professional should be made immediately. A CT scan can provide you with the root cause of these sudden severe pain that aggravates as you take a deep breath, spreading of the pain into the left shoulder, lightheadedness or dizziness and confusion.

When should you consult a doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • Severe pain in the upper left side of your abdomen.
  • Pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply.
  • Moving pain down to your left shoulder tip
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

The issue of unaddressed splenic trauma reveals provocative risks to life, which is confirmed by the studies published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (Debnath et al., 2022). Occasionally, minor accidents may cause a severe injury to the spleen.

Can You Prevent Spleen Problems?

Although it is not possible to prevent all spleen difficulties, there are easy ways to reduce your risk.

  • Protect yourself from infections.
  • Get recommended vaccinations
  • Never forget to use your seat belt and wear sports safety equipment as prescribed.
  • The beneficial habits may help prevent problems with your spleen.
  • Book routine appointments to check your condition and prevent problems from worsening.

The Value of Early Detection

Early detection of the spleen problem makes treatment easier and could reduce the risk of complications or requiring surgery. Modern advancements in medicine and ViaScan’s advanced and up yo date CT scanning allow thsi. Remember that left abdominal pain is not always a sign of spleen issues; however, do not hesitate to approach a doctor if you experience pain together with other symptoms or if the pain is long-term and severe.

Self-protection of your well-being presupposes knowledge of your body, which means paying special attention to organs that are often neglected, such as the spleen.

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Conclusion: 

Even though the spleen is often forgotten, its significance to overall health is no small affair. Knowing about enlarged spleen attributes is not essential, though it helps to be aware of the common cases of pain in the spleen to recognise when you need medical attention and when there is a problem.

ViaScan performs a thorough body scan that enables one to identify health issues in advance, including possible spleen issues. CT scan can make you feel reassured or detect health issues early, giving you a better chance of being treated. It is wise to add a wellness scan to your health care routine, especially if you are at high risk because of conditions or family history and predispositions to the spleen.


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17/Mar/2025

Getting a recommendation from your doctor for requiring a chest CT scan generates both worries and uncertainty. Modern medicine uses this enhanced imaging technology to combine X-ray data measured from various directions to create detailed body section images. Your lungs, together with heart tissue and vascular structures and airways alongside chest bones, get shown in detailed 3D images through a CT scan despite basic chest X-rays providing only two-dimensional pictures. Advanced imaging systems let doctors recognize different medical issues that otherwise would stay undetectable and unclear. The reason for taking this test, as described by your doctor, will help reduce your concern and prepare you for the next steps. This piece examines the typical circumstances that trigger physicians to conduct chest CT scans in addition to explaining the scan findings and alternate imaging approaches and the essential patient requirements before the procedure.

What Medical Conditions Can a Chest CT Scan Diagnose?

The CT scan technology of the chest turns into an essential diagnostic instrument for healthcare practitioners to examine various thoracic region issues. A few millimeter lung nodules can be detected by CT scans, thereby enabling prompt diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. Chest CT scanners prove highly effective in pneumonia diagnosis, particularly when standard X-rays produce unclear results to detect bronchiectasis, in addition to their ability to assess interstitial lung diseases leading to pulmonary fibrosis.

Coronary CT angiography is a heart scanning method used to evaluate coronary artery disease through analysis of heart blood vessels. It performs multiple diagnostics by showing vascular blockages in coronary arteries, measuring heart chamber dimensions and heart function, and checking the aorta status for aneurysms and dissections.

How Does a Chest CT Scan Compare to Other Imaging Options?

Three main factors, the suspected medical condition, the need for detail, and the degree of risk to patients from radiation exposure determine physicians’ choices for an imaging test. Laura Marie Fayad explains that there are differences in imaging tests. Understanding the distinctions between an MRI, CT scan, and X-ray will help you and your doctor decide which imaging modality is best for you. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are diagnostic procedures that let medical professionals view the body’s internal components. 

Standard X-rays and CT scans provide better picture quality than ordinary radiology, with separate body section images without overlapping caused by standard procedure radiology. CT imaging offers superior gate viewing capability for inspection of small to moderate body structures, especially of the mediastinum.

What Should Patients Know Before Undergoing a Chest CT Scan?

Depending on the procedure selected and whether a specific chest CT scan includes contrast agents, there are different requirements for the chest CT scan. The main preparation step for patients who wish to get non-contrast scans is to remove only metal objects within the scan area. Patients must fast for some hours before contrast-enhanced studies and testing of kidney function might be done since contrast agents leak through the kidneys during elimination.

Iodine allergy needs to be notified to all healthcare providers by all patients, and patients must disclose their use of substances used in previous image procedures, too. Before experiencing treatment, previous reaction patients may be given premedication treatment containing antihistamines with steroids to minimize their chance of reaction. This is because radiation can harm developing fetuses, and patients need to come out about their pregnancy condition.

When Might a Doctor Order Follow-Up Chest CT Scans?

Follow-up imaging is an important central tool for assessing several chest conditions through specific time-based diagnostic-related timing protocols and clinical framework protocols used by healthcare providers. Regular CT scan imaging for cancer patients measures tumor changes such as dimensions and characteristics, and therefore, CT scan imaging determines treatment outcomes.
 After treatment, the medical team uses decreasing surveillance checks over the years in case there are signs of recurrence or metastasis. CT imaging, in combination, allows a medical practitioner to see any complications of thoracic surgeries and how the thoracic cavity processes healing following any thoracic surgery. Cardiac procedures require heart scan follow-ups to check the results of procedures and to diagnose stenosis following procedures, stent restenosis, or bypass graft failure.

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Conclusion

In addition to detailed visualization of lungs, heart, and blood vessels as well as surrounding anatomical features, chest CT scans are also effective in diagnosing. The combination of innovative modern CT technology and the use of radiation reduction protocols provides the implementation of modern CT technology through ViaScan. Their cardiac calcium scoring and coronary CT angiography programs involve the heart scanning capabilities of these programs, which can provide detailed results for detecting cardiovascular diseases at the initial stages and in the stage when treatments are proving most successful, just before the symptoms become evident.


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10/Mar/2025

One of the most common imaging tests used to image lung and heart health is known as a chest X-ray. If you are having routine screening or experiencing persistent cough or chest pain, it is very important to know if the lung X-ray is normal or abnormal. A normal chest X-ray of females vs. abnormal may show subtle disease changes, such as infection, lung disease, or more serious conditions such as tumors. In this article, we will explain what to expect in normal and abnormal results of a chest x-ray, when further testing may be needed, and how to interpret a chest x-ray.

What Does a Normal Chest X-Ray Look Like?

X-rays of the normal lungs will show the lungs to be clear and well-inflated without any visible masses, fluid accumulation, or other abnormal opacities. It appears within the normal limits for heart size and shape, and the diaphragm is well-formed. The rib cage and spine bones and any that connect to them should be intact, and the bones should fit together properly. As in a normal chest X-ray female vs. abnormal, there are no apparent differences between a male and female chest X-ray. Though a normal chest X-ray female vs. normal may slightly affect the imaging contrast, radiologists need to inspect it in detail.

What Are Common Abnormal Findings in a Chest X-Ray?

Your doctor could request a chest x-ray if you have symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, persistent mucus production, etc. A CT scan may be ordered if the X-ray shows abnormalities or the doctor notices something in the image to help diagnose the condition. Chest scans might reveal a variety of situations, including heart failure, pneumonia, lung cancer, TB, sarcoidosis, pleural effusion, embolisms, emphysema, and lung scarring. 

Gefter, Post, and Hatabu’s study, “Commonly Missed Findings on Chest Radiographs: Causes and Consequences,” found that 30% of chests with unusual radiographic patterns needed more testing to uncover hidden lung conditions as they are misinterpreted or overlooked. During analysis of female chest X-rays, doctors commonly spot enlarged lung features combined with visual signs of abnormal shadows or diaphragm irregularities, which show potential disease markers.

How are Chest X-rays interpreted?

A normal lung X-ray, sometimes referred to as a chest radiograph, is the most common imaging test carried out in the US. The radiologist must be aware of what to look for and keep in mind the technical aspects that must be considered when examining the location of each device. A radiologist interprets the results of a chest X-ray by examining the black-and-white image and searching for anomalies in the heart, lungs, bones, and other chest structures. The radiologist then sends a report to your physician, who will talk with you about the results.

Can an Abnormal chest X-ray report or indicate lung cancer?

A chest X ray gives a detailed picture of the lungs so that doctors can detect small nodules or abnormalities suggesting cancer. LDCT is highly effective. The National Cancer Institute (2022) showed that LDCT reduced lung cancer mortality by 21% compared to chest X-rays.(Bonney & et al., 2022)  High-risk individuals have a safer and more convenient option in this noninvasive-scan which takes only a few minutes without using contrast dye. A low-dose CT scan is used to create an image of the inside of the body if lung cancer is suspected, and if the body is found to be abnormal, this requires further diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of lung cancer.

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Conclusion 

A CT scan or chest X-ray is chosen based on the symptoms and concerns the patient has. A chest scan can be recommended for patients with suspected structural heart problems or congenital heart defects or general heart screening by doctors. That can inform patients and doctors on the best way for them to diagnose if there is something wrong with the heart. ViaScan offers advanced, noninvasive heart scans to help you stay on top of your cardiac health if you are looking for reliable cardiac imaging.


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24/Feb/2025

Early detection of lung cancer improves survival rates greatly, and it is one mode of death from cancer in the world; some phrase it as one of the deadliest forms of cancer. So, by 2025, technological advances in screening and new guidelines will make lung cancer detection more accurate and more accessible. It is very important to orientate towards the screening of lung cancer in the initial stages, as it often happens before the symptoms appear. Learn more about the latest CT lung cancer screening guidelines and the best answers to questions on new eligibility criteria, ways recommended screening methods, and how research has made a difference. How do I diagnose lung cancer? Or Should I have a low-dose CT scan to get an early detection of lung cancer? This guide will explain this in detail.

Who Should Get Screened for Lung Cancer?

Not everyone should be recommended to have lung cancer screening. The newest version, which was completed in 2025, concentrates on high-risk people according to certain criteria. All health organizations recommend that individuals between ages 50 and 80 are screened annually for those of whom 1) have 20 pack years history of smoking; 2) are current smokers or gave up between 15 years and 1 year ago; 3) have other risk factors such as exposure to asbestos, family history of lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases or other. Recent research supports these guidelines. 2023 The New England Journal of Medicine study showed that expanding screening criteria to include those with a 20-pack-year smoking history decreased (from 30 days), and they rose by 15 percent in the early lung cancer detection rate (Smith et al., 2023).

What Is the Best Method for Lung Cancer Screening?

A low-dose CT scan (LDCT) is the preferred way of screening for lung cancer. It uses very little radiation yet gives a detailed picture of the lungs so that doctors can detect small nodules or abnormalities suggesting cancer. LDCT is highly effective. The National Cancer Institute (2022) showed that LDCT reduced lung cancer mortality by 20% compared to chest X-rays. High-risk individuals have a safer and more convenient option in this noninvasive scan, which takes only a few minutes without using contrast dye.

How to Diagnose Lung Cancer After a Screening?

A low-dose CT scan is used to create an image of the inside of the body if lung cancer is suspected, and if the body is found to be abnormal, this requires further diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of lung cancer. Typically, during the diagnostic process, the nodule is followed by follow-up imaging, meaning that another LDCT scan may be taken within the next few months to check changes in the size and shape of the nodule. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is used to see if a lung nodule is cancerous by monitoring metabolic activity. Biopsies (removal of a small tissue sample) are performed by bronchoscopy or CT-guided needle biopsy in the case of suspicious growths. Advanced genetic testing of the tumor sample allows the determination of the type and potential targeted therapies of the cancer. A 2024 study in JAMA Oncology states that molecular diagnostics in the form of lung cancer detection enable targeted therapies and outcome improvements in patients (Johnson et al., 2024).

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening?

In a limited study of doctors who advised patients to have low-dose CT screening, all the doctors reduced the risks, but none could properly explain screening to their patients.

  • Pros
    Three out of 1,000 high-risk individuals who were examined yearly for three years and monitored for five years were spared from lung cancer death in the National Lung Screening Trial. The duration of this advantage is unknown. In addition to having greater risk factors and pack-years of smoking, those who are most likely to benefit also typically die from other reasons earlier than healthier ex-smokers.
  • Cons

    False positives. About 250 out of 1,000 high-risk individuals who are screened and do not have cancer will be informed that their low-dose CT scans reveal an anomaly that could be cancer, according to the National Lung Screening Trial.14 According to preliminary statistics from low-dose CT use in the community, the false-positive rate could be substantially greater.15. False-positive results can raise medical expenses, result in needless additional testing, and damage and worry patients. False-positive results account for 95% of aberrant low-dose CT results.

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Conclusion

The early warning signs of lung cancer, if recognized, will increase your chances of early disease diagnosis and success of treatment. However, with these symptoms, a CT scan to rule out or diagnose lung cancer in the early stages is an essential step. The advanced imaging solutions provided by ViaScan include precise CT scans that help detect lung abnormalities so the needed medical intervention can be done as early as possible. Act now to save your life by early detection.


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10/Feb/2025

Lung cancer ranks among the top cancer-causing deaths worldwide and is usually discovered only at an advanced stage. Detection at an early stage will improve survival rates, but such signs are often overlooked. Many of these symptoms should be recognized, and people should seek immediate medical evaluation, including a CT scan where possible, to make a big difference in outcomes.

Is a Persistent Cough a Painless Sign of Lung Cancer?

A persistent cough that haunts you for more than eight weeks is indeed an early indicator of lung cancer. Occasional coughing is not unusual, but a persistent cough that gets worse over time coughs up blood, or turns phlegm-colored should not be ignored. In this study by Rivera et al. (2020), one of the most common symptoms reported by lung cancer patients is persistent coughing, thought to be an external infection or allergies that last. If a cough doesn’t respond to usual treatments, it is a good idea to have a CT scan or, more specifically, a lung scan to find out what is causing it.

Why Does Shortness of Breath Occur in Lung Cancer Patients?

Dyspnea occurs when lung tumors block airways or fill fluid in the lungs. Gradually, this symptom may develop, and it may become apparent during physical activity. However, as it progresses, even basic tasks such as climbing the stairs or taking short walks can be very difficult. According to Wang et al. (2021), shortness of breath is commonly linked to reduced lung function resulting from the growth of tumors and, thus, a symptom for early detection. Seeking medical attention and having a lung scan to diagnose lung conditions can help if breathing difficulties persist.

Is Unexplained Weight Loss Related to Lung Cancer?

Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of several cancers, including lung cancer. The spread of such cells to other parts of the body, when they create a different metabolism in the body, can cause rapid weight loss with no diet change. In addition to unintended weight loss, patients may have poor appetite or are extremely fatigued. Rivera et al. (2020) note that more than 60% of lung cancer patients at the time of diagnosis suffer considerable weight loss. A CT scan ought to be done if anyone has unexplained significant weight loss (more than 10 percent of body weight) within 6 months.

What Role Does Chest Pain Play in Lung Cancer Diagnosis?

Other alarming symptoms include chest pain. Tumor growth in lung cancer patients can cause chest pain if it presses on the chest wall, nerves, or ribs. It can be a persistent pain, or it can be intermittent and gets more painful with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. Wang et al. (2021) suggest that chest pain stemming from the removal of lung tumors near the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) is more common. A person’s doctor can seek a CT scan to rule out any problems if they have unexplained chest discomfort, together with other symptoms such as coughing or breathlessness.

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Conclusion

The early warning signs of lung cancer (which, as you know, includes persistent cough, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and chest pain), if recognized, will increase your chances of early disease diagnosis and success of treatment. However, with these symptoms, a lung scan to rule out or diagnose lung cancer in the early stages is an essential step. The advanced imaging solutions provided by ViaScan include precise CT scans that help detect lung abnormalities so the needed medical intervention can be done as early as possible. Act now to save your life by early detection.


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03/Feb/2025

A rib fracture is a painful injury and possibly a serious one caused by direct trauma, severe coughing, or secondary to medical conditions that weaken bone. This part of the body is very important for the protection of vital organs, and damage to this part of the body may greatly limit breathing and movement. Early identification helps to ensure timely treatment without any complications. To explore this blog, we are going to discover four key signs of a broken rib found in medical research and see how a CT scan can be used to confirm the condition.

How Does Chest Pain Indicate a Rib Fracture?

Chest pain is one of the most common and immediate signs of a rib fracture. The pain normally deepens with deep breathing, coughing, or movement. This is because the fractured rib may slightly shift, which will irritate the muscles and tissues around them. Rib fractures cause patients to be uncomfortable when lying on the side of the injured rib or when pressure is placed on the affected area, as listed by a study by Livingston et al. (2008). When ignoring persistent ‘chest pain’ should not be overlooked as it may show the presence of a severe injury that needs medical intervention. Usually, a fractured rib heals on its own; however, complications such as lung damage, pneumonia, or even death may occur if left untreated. Ice packs can be applied, pain medications can be prescribed, and medical evaluation is still indicated for the removal of discomfort.

Why Does Difficulty Breathing Occur?

In such cases, pain and inflammation surrounding the rib cage may make breathing difficult due to a fractured rib. When a rib is broken, Deep breaths are avoided naturally as the body tries to reduce discomfort. However, shallow breathing can cause pneumonia because expanded lungs are not being used adequately (Bulger et al., 2010). Seek medical help if breathing becomes too labored to the extent of pain. A CT scan may be suggested to see how bad the injury is and to rule out if any internal organs have been damaged. In severe cases, oxygen support or respiratory therapy is required to sustain the proper function of the lungs. Patients are often told to do controlled breathing exercises to combat lung infections and look after recovery.

Is Bruising and Swollen a Sign of a Fracture?

Additional rib fracture indicator symptoms include bruising and swelling over the injured rib cage area. Blood vessels around the broken rib are damaged, and when this happens, there will be localized discoloration and inflammation. In addition, chest pain may be further restricted by the presence of swelling. A doctor often uses a CT scan to distinguish between a rib fracture and another injury like muscle strain or contusions. This bruising may take a few days to develop fully, and the soreness around the area may last for weeks. They suggest the use of compression bandages or supportive wrapping to decrease movement and decrease pain. However, one should not try to tighten too much, as stretching your skin can cause more restrictions on breathing.

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Why Do Some People Experience a Cracking Sensation?

Others with a fractured rib tell there’s a cracking or grinding sensation over where it’s injured. This symptom (crepitus) occurs from the broken ends of the rib rubbing against each other. A break doesn’t always happen with this; however, it is a strong indication. More intensive medical care is required if a case involves multiple fractures or displaced ribs, as postulated by Bulger et al. (2010), and this may signal such sensations. The severity can be confirmed with a CT scan, and appropriate treatment can be chosen. If a patient feels crepitus, great caution should be taken not to move as much as possible and seek immediate medical attention to prevent further injury. Very severely displaced ribs may require surgery to stabilize them.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize the signs of rib fracture to avail timely medical attention. Persistent ‘chest pain,’ trouble breathing, visible bruising, and swelling of the rib cage should never be ignored, all of which can accompany the danger signals experienced previously by the patient. A CT scan is very useful in confirming the diagnosis and treatment. Seeking medical attention if you suspect a rib fracture is important to prevent complications. That’s why ViaScan offers highly advanced imaging services to diagnose rib fractures and other injuries effectively. Early detection can make a big difference in recovering and feeling overall well. Improving the chances of a full and smooth recovery from rib fractures can occur if symptoms are addressed promptly and appropriate medical advice is followed.


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27/Jan/2025

Everyone deals with discomfort in their upper stomach regularly. Most of the time, symptoms emerge without notice and affect your comfort level. Digestive medical conditions often produce pain in the space between your ribs and the bottom part of your stomach. Finding out the origins of abdominal pain helps doctors develop the best treatment plans to reduce both symptoms and treat underlying medical conditions. Our blog will explore practical ways to ease upper stomach pain immediately. This blog explains which health problems cause stomach pain and describes both how to manage the discomfort quickly plus when to seek medical help. This guide demonstrates proven ways to handle your discomfort.

What leads to Upper Stomach Pain most Frequently?

Determining what triggers abdominal pain helps you find proper solutions to feel better. Stomach pain usually starts from issues with digestion that produce gas and acid reflux. Stomach troubles come from the stomach making extra acid and having trouble breaking down specific foods. Spicy or fatty foods, such as pepperoni pizza, can damage your stomach lining tightly and cause pain that spreads toward your ribcage area.

Research from 2015 shows functional dyspepsia causes most patients to experience persistent upper abdominal pain. Inflammation of the stomach lining can trigger this problem. Infection from alcohol misuse plus NSAID use can cause stomach damage to form this condition. Many people develop gallstones that build up in their gallbladders, which produce severe upper abdomen pain. Peptic ulcers form from excessive stomach acid or Helicobacter pylori infection to create painful sores in the stomach lining. Strenuous activities put enough pressure on your muscles to cause pain above your rib cage. 

What Home Methods Treat Upper Stomach Pain?

To manage moderate upper abdominal pain at home, you can use several useful treatments. You can treat upper stomach pain using changes to your diet, plus relaxation tools along with medicines you can buy without a prescription. Warm ginger or chamomile tea mixed with water soothes stomach discomfort while lowering inflammation levels in the abdominal area. You must stay away from heavy and acidic meals because these items will make your pain worse.

Placing a heated pad or warm fabric over the area between your ribs eases sore muscles and makes meals go better. Deep breathing exercises help you manage stress that leads to stomach discomfort. According to Choi’s 2017 research, peppermint oil successfully eases stomach discomfort caused by indigestion and gas. Snacking on peppermint tea or taking oil supplements regularly can help you feel better quickly.

Can you find good Pain relief results with OTC medicines?

Available medicines at retail stores work well to treat stomach pain when you know its source. For instance:

  • Antacids: The medicines work by canceling out stomach acid to treat acid reflux and indigestion.
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications stop acid production and treat serious stomach conditions, including gastritis and peptic ulcers.
  • Simethicone: This remedy works by splitting gas bubbles for people who experience digestive system discomfort.

Before using OTC medications, check the package labels and follow the instructions. If these treatments do not help your pain persist, visit your healthcare provider to determine what is causing it. If you feel pain around your rib area that doesn’t go away or have ongoing stomach pain, you may need help from medical experts.

When do you need to visit a doctor?

Many upper stomach problems can be handled through home treatments, but you should visit a doctor right away when specific symptoms appear. When OTC pain relief does not help your symptoms and your pain intensity keeps growing, you should not delay medical help. Medical services need to be contacted right away when you notice blood coming up through your vomit or when you see dark blood residue in your stools because of internal bleeding. When chest pain spreads to your arms or jaw and affects breathing, it creates a real heart attack danger, so you must get emergency medical help right away.

You should get professional medical care when you experience unknown weight loss combined with stomach pain above your waistline because these signs point toward digestive problems, including ulcers or cancer. Contact a doctor right away when these symptoms appear. Waiting to start treatment will make recovery more difficult and create health problems.

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Conclusion

Knowing what causes upper abdominal pain and what helps it go away can make it easier to manage. Many methods help reduce pain, including specific dietary changes, medicine from drugstores, and natural home treatments for discomfort near the ribs. However, it is necessary to detect when medical treatment requires professional assistance. ViaScan puts your health first as our focus. If your stomach pain persists, our advanced scanning helps reveal what causes your discomfort through genetic analysis. Contact us now to explore our complete testing services and get started on your path to better health.


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20/Jan/2025

The best way to avoid stress and be fully empowered for a life-changing decision like an angiogram is to know all about angiograms. It’s important to know more about how long it will take, what to expect, and why this procedure is required if you are planning a coronary angiogram or a CT coronary angiogram. This blog should give you an idea of how long angiograms will take, why angiograms are done, and anything you need to know about angiograms to prepare for this important step in managing your cardiovascular health.

What Is an Angiogram?

An angiogram is an invasive procedure in which your doctor takes pictures of your blood vessels to determine whether there is any blockage or other problems. A coronary angiogram is even specific to the arteries that feed the heart close and investigates blockages, constriction, or other occurrences that may cause heart difficulties. It is a technique whereby a contrast dye is administered through the bloodstream, and an X-ray picture is taken of the blood vessel. A CT coronary angiogram is quite a non-invasive procedure that uses CT scans to generate images of the arteries. Both techniques are informative in assessing cardiovascular health, but they use entirely different approaches and different periods. Baker et al. (2020) discovered that both conventional and CTCA offer valuable information to manage cardiovascular diseases. The differences can be a degree of invasiveness and the time it takes for execution.

What is the Duration of the Procedure?

The duration of an angiogram also varies depending on the type of angiogram or the trickiness of the process. Literature shows that a commonplace coronary angiogram should take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, in the case of other interventional procedures like angioplasty or stent implantation, the intervention process may be longer. On the other hand, the CT coronary angiogram, which does not involve any invasive procedures, comes to about 15 to 30 minutes of preparation plus imaging time. Other time variables may bring the total duration to about two hours, including the time that may be spent preparing; for instance, inserting an IV line and going through the patient’s history may take half an hour to one hour. Recovery is another factor with regular angiography since you may have to be admitted and possibly admitted for several hours or overnight for close monitoring. According to Curry and Johnson (2021), the herein outlined factors apply, such as the duration of the procedure depending on the patient’s conditions and other interventions like stent placement.

Which Factors Should Be Expected During This Procedure?

A coronary angiogram is done with the patient unconscious and fully awake due to the use of local anesthesia. A catheter is to be threaded through an artery in your groin or your wrist to the blood vessels supplying the heart. They will use contrast dye and make X-ray pictures to determine the flow of blood. During a CT coronary angiogram, you will have to lie down on a table that then moves into the CT scan area. A contrast dye is injected through a catheter, and you get cross-sectional images of your coronary arteries in less than 5 minutes. The two procedures are non-invasive, but you may experience a very small amount of discomfort when the contrast dye is administered.

What are the advantages and dangers of an Angiogram?

As for the advantages of an angiogram, the diagnostics include the identification of blockage or narrowing in arteries, the early identification of the conditions that may potentially cause heart attacks or strokes, and the direction to other treatments such as angioplasty or surgery. However, as with all kinds of surgical interventions, there are potential complications, including the possibility of an allergic reaction to the dye used during the procedure, blood loss from the site where the catheter was inserted, or, in a few instances, heart problems. Your healthcare provider will explain such risks to you and ensure that you are fully aware of them before the procedure.

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Conclusion

The time taken for an angiogram varies with the kind of angiogram. In this case, the CT coronary angiogram takes about 15 minutes, while the traditional coronary angiogram may take an hour or more. Two techniques are valuable to understanding the heart status and assist in organizing its therapy. We value your health and, therefore, provide you with excellent diagnostic imaging services at ViaScan. We promise results and quality treatment as per your requirements.


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13/Jan/2025

Scanning is one of the essential approaches to diagnosing many diseases, and a CT scan is one of the most popular procedures. However, the cost of a CT scan makes many patients concerned about how ​​a CT scan without insurance. Knowledge of these costs prepares you financially for your healthcare because you will be in a better position to decide. Now, let’s talk about the things that make the costs of CT scans higher, the difference between insured and uninsured costs, and which aspects you should know when selecting the right provider.

What Influences the Price of a CT Scan?

The cost of a CT scan takes into consideration the type of scan to be done, the scanning center, and the region where it is located. For example, a simple head or abdominal CT scan would cost less than a scan that may need the use of contrast dye or specific imaging. Insurance plans are also categorized based on how much of the total cost is covered; the patient must part with the rest. Insured patients may have to pay between $100-$500 for the service after meeting deductible and out-of-pocket expenses.

How much does a CT scan cost without insurance?

However, patients who have no insurance keep asking how much a CT scan costs. The charges of a PET scan range between $400 to $3,000, depending on any of the above factors. As compared to other centers that exclusively deal in imaging and diagnostic services, hospitals are relatively costly, as are their services. If you have no health care insurance, it is common sense to look for a good service provider such as ViaScan and save money. Also, many imaging centers consider the charge of the diagnostic procedure within an affordable range for the uninsured patient, who may be offered rebates or special offers regarding payment options.

Is it possible for insurance companies to not pay for CT scans?

The emphasis within any insurance plan to cover a CT scan depends on whether the scan is regarded as medically essential. When your doctor prescribes the test for a particular ailment or the management of a specific condition, then most insurance companies will likely provide a good measure of coverage. Nonetheless, the optional or prevention imaging scans may not be compensated, and one is likely to pay from their pocket. Patients should always check with their insurance company to see whether the requested scan is covered and if they must pay anything out of pocket.

How can you save on CT scan costs?

To minimize expenses, consider these tips when planning for a CT scan:

  • It’s recommended that imaging centers with reasonable prices be selected, compared to, for example, hospital ones, such as ViaScan.
  • Insurance is always an important factor to consider before surgery; the patient should ask for the out-of-pocket expenses before the operation.
  • For patients without insurance, try to find payment options or even discounts that most imaging centers offer.
  • According to your medical condition, there is perhaps an equivalent, cheaper imaging test that you can undertake.

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Conclusion

The cost of a CT scan ranges from hundreds of dollars, depending on health insurance, location, and type of scan that the patient requires. Depending on the insurance type, patients who have insurance reimbursed at the commercial rate may pay between 100$-500$, while patients without insurance must spend between 400$-3000$. These factors, by choice of good providers such as ViaScan, make it possible to Strike a balance between quality care and cost. For reading studies, contact ViaScan today for information on our specialized services and learn how we can help save you money on your imaging needs.


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09/Jan/2025

Feeling uncomfortable or pain under the right rib cage can be very painful, and knowing the cause is even more annoying. The protected organs include the liver and gallbladder, as well as parts of the digestive system. Problems in this area can be as mild as discomfort connected to indigestion or as severe as liver illness. This blog presents 13 types of pain under the right rib cage and answers some basic questions to give you an idea about the possible causes of the problem.

Why Does It Hurt Under My Right Rib Cage After Eating?

Any pain that develops at the location of the right rib cage after a meal may be associated with various problems related to the digestive system or the gallbladder. As much as it may differ with different people, foods that trigger heartburn pain are foods that are fatty or heavy meals. You must seek to know what causes this if you have always had that patient look on your face after taking a meal.

  • Gallstones

Chololiths are concretion that forms in the gallbladder because of an unnatural composition of bile substances. The gallbladder contracts after fatty meals to secrete bile, so if a stone occurs in the gallbladder, severe pain may occur. This pain may extend to the back or should. A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology reveals that gallstone prevalence is 10-15% of adults worldwide, and diet heavily influences the management and prevention of gallstones (Shaffer, 2018).

  • Cholecystitis (a term applied to inflammation of the gallbladder).

If the gallstones are in the bile ducts, there is an inflammation of the gallbladder and sharp pain under the right rib. This inflammation, including the associated symptoms such as fever and nausea, calls for medical attention immediately.

  • Indigestion or Gas

Occasionally, the intake of huge amounts of food is accompanied by the formation of gases and causes uneasiness under the rib cage. This discomfort is usually washed with a belch or passing of gas; hence, it can be solved temporarily.

Can Pain Under Ribs Be Related to My Liver or Other Vital Organs?

The liver and gallbladder are below the right rib cage and play major roles in digestion and elimination of toxins. Pain may be constant or recurrent in any organ or part of these organs involved in an illness or disease. This type of discomfort may be continuous low pain, a pinprick-like pain, etc.

  • Liver Conditions

Possible causes of right-sided rib pain include Hepatitis, Fatty liver disease, or liver Abscesses. This pain is usually associated with other signs, such as yellowing of the skin, tiredness, or bloating around the belly. According to the WHO global report, about 296 million people had chronic hepatitis B in 2019, hence the need to keep the Liver healthy.

  • Pancreatitis

While pancreatitis pain is usually located on the left side, it occasionally extends to the right rib. This condition demands medical attention and mostly causes nausea, vomiting, and fever.

  • Appendicitis

However, while appendicitis ache starts close to the belly button and then migrates towards the lower right abdomen, it can begin under the rib cage. This is an emergency condition that needs some attention.

  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

IBS often manifests in stomach rumbling, excessive flatulence, and discomfort or actual pain under the lower right ribs. It can especially be felt after meals, a situation made worse by stress. Calming one’s diet and stress levels can reduce symptoms. Everyone who has compared IBS with other illnesses knows that IBS can cause cramping, bloating, and that uncomfortable feeling under the right rib cage. 

Can Respiratory Issues Lead to Rib Cage Pain?

Pain associated with breathing is sometimes mistaken for rib cage pain since it becomes painful with deep breaths or coughing. It is possible to include pneumonia, which is an infection of the lung, or pleurisy, which is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest wall.

  • Lung Infections

Flu, like pneumonia or bronchitis, which affects the lungs, often leads to sharp or stabbing pains under the rib area. This pain may be accompanied by coughing, fever difficulties, or loss of breath, and thus, it is essential to consult a doctor. According to a study conducted by Mandell et al. in Chest Journal, those experiencing an episode of respiratory infection presented with rib pain, and the patients were mostly older adults.

  • Pleurisy

Pleurisy is a medical condition in which the tissue lining the lungs becomes irritated, either by an infection or an injury. The pain is stinging and gets worse with breathing or muscle movement. It can sometimes feel like actual rib cage pain.

Could Muscle Skeletal or Some Other External Factors Be a Reason For My Discomfort?

At times, a person can experience discomfort right under the rib area due to musculoskeletal or other extraneous causes. Overuse or sprains may cause this kind of pain, as can viral infections that affect muscles and joints.

  • Costochondritis

This is an inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the sternum and will only produce pain within the rib area. It tends to hurt more when the affected area is moved or when one coughs or presses a body part.

  • Muscle Strain

A muscle pull or strain can be caused by physical exertion, lifting heavy objects, or any activity that puts pressure on the rib cage. This sort of pain is almost always described as stabbing and is usually aggravated by specific activities such as breathing or moving.

  • Shingles

Chickenpox, which reoccurs as shingles, produces pain and a burning sensation in the underside of the rib cage. A rash in the affected region usually accompanies this pain, making it distinct from other causes.

  • Kidney Stones

Although kidney stones are often accompanied by back or side pain, larger stones may cause discomfort in the area below the right rib. Other symptoms may include blood in the urine and a quick or slow inability to urinate.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional intestinal disorder that affects between 10 and 20 percent of adults.

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Conclusion

Pain under the right rib cage or the lower right ribs means many demands. It can have several underlying causes. Some are non-threatening, while others are life-threatening organ-related ailments. Understanding the type of pain and the signs associated with it will help inform whether one requires medical attention or just changes in one’s daily life.

Our readers should turn to ViaScan for a precise diagnosis and a great way to relieve stress. Unlike some other diagnostic centers, ViaScan’s imaging solutions are highly evolved, allowing them to accurately identify the issue troubling them and provide the right medical care.