Is ultrasound dangerous?
Ultrasound is a convenient, inexpensive, and informative method of medical imaging. Its principle is to use ultra-high frequency sound waves. A special device (transducer) sends sound waves to the desired direction of the body. Each tissue has its own density, and therefore transmits or reflects ultrasound in its own way. The reflected sound wave returns to the transducer, after which the sound is converted into an image and displayed on the monitor screen.
Ultrasound examination has found the widest application in medicine, and is used to diagnose almost all organs and tissues, as well as to examine the fetus during pregnancy. In the past few years, information has begun to appear that ultrasound has a harmful, traumatic effect on the fetus, and therefore the question of the possible danger of ultrasound is quite acute. Let's try to figure it out.
Indeed, ultrasound can be used as a weapon. In this capacity, for example, dolphins and killer whales use it. By emitting ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency, they stun and disorient the fish, which become easy prey, and sometimes even kill them in this way. In addition, ultrasound is also used in industry, including for the treatment of hard surfaces - of course, the impact force is enormous, and if granite can be processed, then what can we say about soft tissues.
In fact, it's not that scary at all. Ultrasound uses sound vibrations that are not at all the strength that dolphins or builders use. In the case of any physical factor affecting the body, the decisive condition is the strength of this action. Compare the pleasant warmth of a relaxing bath with a steam jet burned, or the light of the morning sun with the effect of a laser surgery machine. One and the same physical phenomenon - heat in the first case, and light
in the second, but what are the different effects.
Despite the fact that the level of sound vibrations that are used for ultrasound diagnostics is completely harmless to the body, in medicine this and other methods are used with caution. Without special need, no one will ever prescribe an ultrasound scan, especially during pregnancy.
Going for an ultrasound scan, you can be completely calm - this is a quiet ultrasound, put at the service of health.
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