X-ray chest X-ray
Release time : 12/13/2024 15:19:32
X-rays have been discovered for over a hundred years, and they are widely used in the clinical diagnosis.
At the same time, the hazards of X-ray examination have gradually come to light with the passage of time.
For example, the risk of cancer increases with exposure to more X-rays.
Let's delve into the potential harms of X-ray chest radiography, its capabilities, and what to be aware of during the procedure. Firstly, let us discuss the potential risks associated with X-ray chest radiography. This procedure emits radiation, and prolonged or frequent exposure could potentially have adverse effects on the body. For instance, it may cause skin inflammation, allergies, or even increase the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, before undergoing an X-ray chest radiography examination, the doctor typically informs the patient of the potential risks and recommends appropriate protective measures. Moving on to the capabilities of X-ray chest radiography, although it is a common method for examination, it is not suitable for all diseases. Generally, X-ray chest radiography is primarily used for detecting lung diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. Additionally, it can also be used for screening heart and vascular diseases like coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. Of course, the specific examination items depend on the patient's condition and the doctor's judgment. Finally, let's consider the precautions that should be taken during an X-ray chest radiography examination. During the examination, patients are required to remove their shirts and expose their chests. During the examination, patients need to remain still to allow the doctor to observe the lung conditions clearly. After the examination, patients need to avoid contact with metal objects immediately to ensure proper results. If a patient plans to become pregnant, they must inform the doctor because X-ray chest radiography can affect fetal development. In summary, X-ray chest radiography is a commonly used diagnostic tool, albeit with certain risks. However, if performed under professional guidance and with appropriate protective measures, it generally does not pose a significant health threat. However, for specific diseases such as heart conditions and tumors, X-ray chest radiography may not provide sufficient information, necessitating alternative diagnostic methods. Therefore, when undergoing an X-ray chest radiography examination, patients should fully understand the purpose, process, and potential risks of the examination and seek advice from a professional physician when necessary.
X-ray chest examination, also known as fluoroscopy, is a common X-ray diagnostic technique.
It uses the characteristics of X-rays, such as penetration, fluorescence and photography effect to form images in the human body on the screen, so that doctors can provide evidence for diagnosis.
Let's take a look together to understand the principles behind a chest X-ray.
The human body has differences in density and thickness, and when X-rays penetrate different tissues, the amount of X-ray absorbed is different. Consequently, the X-ray reaching the screen will differ, creating a contrast that is black and white. This provides a basis for doctors to diagnose based on this information.
At present, a chest X-ray is primarily used for diagnosing lung diseases, measuring the size of the heart, the ribs, the pleura, the mediastinum, the bronchi, and other structures.
To reduce radiation exposure, it is advisable for patients undergoing chest X-ray examinations to limit the number of examinations and not to perform multiple repeated scans in a short period. In particular, it is important not to pressure the radiologist to view for extended periods or to examine with great care when taking the chest X-ray.
What can X-ray chest imaging detect? Currently, X-ray chest imaging is primarily used to diagnose pulmonary diseases, the size of the heart, the ribs, thoracic pleura, and mediastinal structures such as the trachea.
Let's take a look together and find out what X-ray chest radiography can detect.
Chest X-rays can detect soft tissue, bone (including thoracic vertebrae), mediastinum (heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, etc.), trachea and bronchi, pleura, lung tissue, and more.
This can diagnose congenital diseases of the lung and trachea, such as developmental anomalies, various pulmonary inflammations, acute and chronic bronchitis, more pronounced bronchiectasis, emphysema or pulmonary edema, various forms of tuberculosis, lung cancer, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, mediastinal tumors, cardiac anomalies, etc.
What are the hazards of a chest X-ray? Currently, whether it is for adult entry examinations, school admissions, or yearly routine health checkups by employers, there is almost always an "X-ray chest" component.
However, this seemingly routine examination actually conceals a "threat."
Let's learn about the harms of a chest X-ray today.
1. X-rays have a certain destructive effect on biological cells, and excessive exposure to X-rays can affect physiological functions, cause chromosomal abnormalities, and lead to the occurrence of cancer.
2. Scans using X-rays can cause genetic mutations in cells, increasing the risk of cancer or infertility.
Therefore, during an X-ray chest examination, it is essential to protect the reproductive organs.
3. According to medical experts, a woman who has had one mammogram absorbs at least 1000 millirems of radiation, which means the chance of developing breast cancer increases by 1%.
4. X-ray chest radiography emits the highest amount of radiation among medical imaging examinations. The amount of radiation from a single chest radiograph is equivalent to that of 10 chest films.
If X-rays are exposed to the body for a short period of time, it will cause serious damage to the cells in the body and reduce immunity. It also increases the probability of cancer diseases.
Children, in particular, are more sensitive to radiation during their embryonic development. Exposure to X-rays multiple times in a short period can cause partial cellular damage in the body of the child. If these damaged cells cannot repair themselves, they may become "time bombs" under conditions of low immunity, developing into cancerous lesions.
What should be noted when undergoing a chest X-ray? For many of us, the procedure is not unfamiliar.
I have taken X-rays at the hospital and during routine physical examinations since I was young, even through my college years and into my work life. Yet, receiving excessive exposure to X-rays can cause lasting harm to health.
Therefore, we should try to avoid X-ray chest examinations as much as possible.
When absolutely necessary, follow these guidelines when undergoing an examination.
1、 Avoid undergoing repeated chest X-ray examinations in a short period of time. The damage caused by X-rays to the human body is cumulative. If multiple X-ray examinations are conducted within a few days, the accumulated damage will be significant.
Generally speaking, the total exposure time for a routine chest X-ray should not exceed 12 minutes, and for gastrointestinal examinations, it should not exceed 1 to 10 minutes.
Although many hospitals' X-ray machines now have image enhancement systems (TV), the amount of radiation exposure is greatly reduced, but the frequency of examinations still needs to be reduced, especially in a short period.
II. Avoidance of X-ray examinations in infants, children, and young individuals is advised; infants, children, and young individuals are more sensitive to X-rays and should be minimized or avoided as much as possible.
At the same time, one should avoid entering the X-ray examination room with a sick person and should not enter the radiology department.
III. It is advised that pregnant women should avoid X-ray examinations, as the fetus is very sensitive to X-rays and may be susceptible to developmental abnormalities if exposed to X-rays during the early or middle stages of pregnancy.
X-ray examinations for pregnant women should be restricted to the later stages of pregnancy.
In cases where it is necessary to take a pelvic measurement or fetal photo, the exposure should not exceed two to three times. This is to minimize any adverse effects on the fetus.
IV. When taking an X-ray examination, it is best to cover the non-examined areas as much as possible, especially infants, young children, and children. The area of interest should be exposed only, with the rest covered by lead rubber (especially the area of the gonad).
V. Postmenopausal women who are not pregnant should avoid X-ray examinations in the abdomen before the 14th day of the menstrual period, as this is the ovulation period. If there is sexual intercourse between partners, the fertilized egg can be vulnerable to X-ray exposure.
Therefore, it is advisable to have an abdominal X-ray examination within 10-14 days after menstruation.
6. Patients and their relatives should not stay in the radiology examination room during the examination, including X-rays, films and various contrast media injections. The family and relatives are not allowed to enter the examination room for company.
If the patient needs to be supported, they can ask the staff to put on lead aprons and gloves to reduce unnecessary exposure.
VII. When undergoing X-ray examinations, it is important not to be excessively anxious. Although X-rays have certain risks, their use in a reasonable manner is beneficial for diagnosing and treating diseases, without causing serious consequences.
Therefore, during the examination, it is important to relax and cooperate with the doctor to shorten the examination time.
Can pregnant women undergo a chest X-ray? In the early stages of pregnancy, when embryonic tissue cells differentiate into various organs, these cells are very sensitive to various harmful factors.
If X-rays are received during this period, it may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, malformation of children, cerebral edema, microcephaly, etc, and even death of the fetus.
If a mother-to-be undergoes an X-ray chest examination without knowing she is pregnant, does it have any effect on the fetus? Can the baby be saved? According to MaNetea, it is recommended that expectant mothers keep the baby.
However, antenatal examinations should be conducted regularly. If any abnormalities are discovered during the examinations, termination of pregnancy should be promptly carried out.
During the 14th to 19th week of pregnancy, perform Down syndrome screening.
Perform a four-dimensional ultrasound for prenatal screening during the 22nd to 26th week of pregnancy.
Should it be necessary, amniocentesis and umbilical cord blood analysis should be performed between the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy.
This will allow us to clearly understand the developmental status of the baby in utero.
The medical content mentioned in this text is for reference only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
In the event of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on an in-person consultation with a professional physician.