X-ray what happens. Radiography: types, features and indications for research
Modern medicine serves a whole range of different diagnostic methods. One of the most informative and common is x-ray or x-ray examination. Its rational use provides fairly accurate, fast and informative recognition of the disease, especially when it comes to pathologies of bones and joints.
Just over a century ago, the main diagnostic tools of any practicing physician were vision, experience and intuition. The situation changed dramatically on November 8, 1895.
This day is officially considered the birthday of radiology, because it was then that the German physics professor V. K. Roentgen accidentally discovered new radiation, which was later named “X-ray” in his honor.
Many pundits later admitted that they, too, had previously noticed signs of the existence of a hitherto unknown phenomenon, but did not bother to analyze and comprehensively study them. The historical merit of V. Roentgen lies precisely in the fact that he did not ignore the fact that he accidentally noticed, but analyzed it. Thus, the scientist “cut a window” into a new era of medicine – the era of radiation diagnostics.
Nowadays, radiation (x-ray) diagnostics is a whole science of using radiation to study human anatomy and timely recognition of diseases.
The diagnostic tool of radiology is the so-called x-ray radiation. Invisible to the naked eye, it consists of electromagnetic waves of a certain spectrum, generated by a ray tube and moving at high speed.
Encountering an obstacle in the form of a human body on its way and easily penetrating through soft tissue, the rays are delayed by the bones of the skeleton, which is projected onto a special film, forming an image - an x-ray. This is precisely what the medical technique of X-ray scanning is based on.
At first, X-rays were used in medicine only to obtain images of the skeleton: detection or other pathologies. Subsequently, methods for similar study of internal organs were proposed. At the same time, large-scale studies were carried out on the biological effects of X-rays on the human body: this was the beginning of radiation therapy for oncological tumors.
Types of diagnostics using x-rays
Currently, X-ray radiation is widely used in medical practice in the form of the following diagnostic methods:
Impact of X-ray radiation on the human body
X-rays are not harmless - everyone knows that. Its biological effect on the body is as follows:
- Under the influence of X-ray radiation, a large number of so-called free radicals appear in living tissues, which destabilize the normal functioning of cells.
- In most cells, the process of vital biochemical reactions is disrupted. Particularly affected are those cells that were in the phase of active growth or division at the time of exposure to X-ray radiation. That is why the potential harm of X-rays for pregnant women and children is much higher than for an adult - because in a growing body, cell division occurs much more actively.
- Cells can lose their viability or even mutate under the influence of X-ray radiation. This risk factor is more dangerous the higher the radiation dose.
- X-ray radiation can cause disruption in the functioning of many body systems. The hematopoietic, lymphatic and reproductive systems are especially susceptible to its negative effects.
- Large doses of X-ray can cause skin burns.
There is an opinion among ordinary people that X-ray irradiation leads to rapid aging, cataracts, cancer and an increase in the number of hereditary diseases in offspring.
All these terrible consequences of x-rays at the present stage of development of medicine should not frighten anyone. The doses of X-ray radiation received by patients during standard diagnostic procedures (fluorography, radiography, etc.) are negligible, and these studies cannot cause serious harm to health. For example, radiation exposure during an X-ray of the spine is comparable to the amount of similar natural radiation exposure over six months. And an x-ray of the bones of the arms or legs is similar to the dose of natural radiation in 1 day.
Provided that the X-ray examination is carried out according to strict indications and not too often, the risk of possible harm to health is extremely small, or does not exist at all.
An X-ray of the spine makes it possible to clarify the cause of the so-called vertebrogenic pain syndrome and identify its causes - various pathologies and injuries of the spinal column, in particular:
An X-ray examination of the spine involves taking pictures, usually of two types - in frontal and lateral projections. This is necessary in order to study the structure of the spinal column in as much detail as possible and identify all sorts of signs of disease. Pictures are taken in a lying or standing position, less often - standing in an inclined position.
Before the examination, the patient must undress to the waist and get rid of jewelry (including piercings). Do not neglect the use of a lead apron: the x-ray technician will tell you how and where to put it.
You cannot move during the procedure itself, but this will not last long: it will take a few seconds to take one photo.
As a rule, not the entire spine is removed, but some of its sections. Some features of the study depend on this.
- X-rays of the cervical spine may sometimes be taken through the mouth. No special preparation is required for the study.
- Chest X-ray also does not require any preparatory procedures.
- X-rays of the lumbosacral spine should be performed with the patient's gastrointestinal tract empty. The study is carried out on an empty stomach and after an enema.
Joint diagnostics
X-ray is the main tool of a diagnostician when there is a suspicion of injury or deformation of the joints. If a dislocation or fracture is suspected, an x-ray of the damaged part of the body is required.
X-ray examination methods are informative for various joint diseases, such as arthritis, osteochondropathy, Hoffa's disease, etc.
X-rays are of great importance in diagnosing children. In this case, an X-ray examination allows you to detect this disease and reveal the degree of existing pathology in the structure of the joint.
No preliminary preparation is required for radiography of joints.
During the procedure, several photographs of the joint with the adjacent bones are taken in different projections: frontal, lateral, etc. If necessary, photographs of several joints can be taken in one session. Processing of the results by a radiologist does not take long: within half an hour.
Based on the data obtained, the attending physician in most cases can already make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
From its inception to the present day, X-ray diagnostics has been one of the leading methods of medical research. But there is no need to overestimate its capabilities. After all, it is almost impossible to make a correct diagnosis only on the basis of x-rays, without relying on the study of the medical history and its symptoms. So a doctor’s main tools should still remain observation, knowledge and experience. And for such a highly qualified specialist, x-ray examination is truly an invaluable diagnostic method.
Watch the video to see how x-rays are performed.
- (a. radiography, roentgenography; n. Rontgenographie; f. radiographie aux rayons X; i. roentgenografia) - a method for studying minerals, rocks, ores and their technological products. processing, based on the phenomenon of crystalline X-ray diffraction. Mountain encyclopedia
Radiography is one of the research methods based on obtaining something fixed on a specific medium, most often X-ray film plays this role.
The latest digital devices can also capture such an image on paper or on a display screen.
Radiography of organs is based on the passage of rays through the anatomical structures of the body, as a result of which a projection image is obtained. Most often, x-rays are used as a diagnostic method. For greater information content, it is better to take x-rays in two projections. This will allow you to more accurately determine the location of the organ under study and the presence of pathology, if any.
The chest is most often examined using this method, but x-rays of other internal organs can also be done. There is an X-ray room in almost every clinic, so undergoing such an examination will not be difficult.
What is the purpose of radiography?
This type of study is carried out in order to diagnose specific lesions of internal organs in infectious diseases:
- Pneumonia.
- Myocarditis.
- Arthritis.
It is also possible to detect diseases of the respiratory and cardiac organs using x-rays. In some cases, if there are individual indications, radiography is necessary to examine the skull, spinal column, joints, and digestive tract organs.
Indications for use
If X-ray is an additional research method for diagnosing certain diseases, then in some cases it is prescribed as mandatory. This usually happens if:
- There is confirmed damage to the lungs, heart or other internal organs.
- It is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.
- There is a need to check the correct installation of the catheter and
Radiography is a research method that is used everywhere; it is not particularly difficult for both medical staff and the patient. The image is the same medical document as other research findings, and therefore can be presented to different specialists to clarify or confirm the diagnosis.
Most often, each of us undergoes a chest x-ray. The main indicators for its implementation are:
- Prolonged cough accompanied by chest pain.
- Detection of tuberculosis, lung tumors, pneumonia or pleurisy.
- Suspicion of pulmonary embolism.
- There are signs of heart failure.
- Traumatic lung injury, rib fractures.
- Entry of foreign bodies into the esophagus, stomach, trachea or bronchi.
- Preventive examination.
Quite often, when a full examination is required, radiography is prescribed among other methods.
Benefits of X-ray
Despite the fact that many patients are afraid to undergo additional X-rays, this method has many advantages compared to other studies:
- It is not only the most accessible, but also quite informative.
- Quite high spatial resolution.
- No special preparation is required to complete this study.
- X-ray images can be stored for a long time to monitor the progress of treatment and identify complications.
- Not only radiologists, but also other specialists can evaluate the image.
- It is possible to perform radiography even on bedridden patients using a mobile device.
- This method is also considered one of the cheapest.
So, if you undergo such a study at least once a year, you will not cause harm to the body, but it is quite possible to identify serious diseases at the initial stage of development.
Radiography methods
Currently, there are two ways to take x-rays:
- Analog.
- Digital.
The first of them is older, time-tested, but requires some time to develop the photograph and see the result on it. The digital method is considered new and is now gradually replacing the analog one. The result is displayed immediately on the screen, and you can print it, more than once.
Digital radiography has its advantages:
- The quality of the images, and therefore the information content, increases significantly.
- Ease of research.
- Possibility of getting instant results.
- The computer has the ability to process the result with changes in brightness and contrast, which allows for more accurate quantitative measurements.
- The results can be stored for a long time in electronic archives, and they can even be transmitted over distances via the Internet.
- Economic efficiency.
Disadvantages of radiography
Despite its many advantages, the radiography method also has its disadvantages:
- The image in the image is static, which makes it impossible to assess the functionality of the organ.
- When examining small lesions, the information content is insufficient.
- Changes in soft tissues are poorly detected.
- And, of course, one cannot help but mention the negative impact of ionizing radiation on the body.
But be that as it may, radiography is a method that continues to be the most common for identifying pathologies of the lungs and heart. It is this that makes it possible to detect tuberculosis at an early stage and save millions of lives.
Preparing for an x-ray
This research method is distinguished by the fact that it does not require special preparatory measures. You only need to come to the x-ray room at the appointed time and take an x-ray.
If such a study is prescribed for the purpose of examining the digestive tract, then the following preparation methods will be required:
- If there are no deviations in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, then no special measures should be taken. In case of excessive flatulence or constipation, it is recommended to give a cleansing enema 2 hours before the test.
- If there is a large amount of food (liquid) in the stomach, lavage should be done.
- Before cholecystography, a radiopaque contrast agent is used, which penetrates the liver and accumulates in the gallbladder. To determine the contractility of the gallbladder, the patient is given a choleretic agent.
- To make cholegraphy more informative, a contrast agent, for example “Bilignost”, “Bilitrast”, is administered intravenously before it is performed.
- Irrigography is preceded by a contrast enema with barium sulfate. Before this, the patient should drink 30 g of castor oil, do a cleansing enema in the evening, and not have dinner.
Research technique
Nowadays, almost everyone knows where to get an x-ray and what this study is. The methodology for carrying it out is as follows:
- The patient is placed in front; if required, the examination is carried out in a sitting or lying position on a special table.
- If there are inserted tubes or hoses, you must ensure that they have not become dislodged during preparation.
- Until the end of the study, the patient is prohibited from making any movements.
- The medical worker leaves the room before starting the X-ray; if his presence is required, he puts on a lead apron.
- Pictures are most often taken in several projections for greater information content.
- After developing the images, their quality is checked; if necessary, repeated examination may be required.
- To reduce projection distortion, it is necessary to place part of the body as close to the cassette as possible.
If radiography is performed on a digital device, the image is displayed on the screen, and the doctor can immediately see deviations from the norm. The results are stored in a database and can be stored for a long time; if necessary, they can be printed on paper.
How are radiographic results interpreted?
After radiography is performed, it is necessary to correctly interpret its results. To do this, the doctor evaluates:
- Location of internal organs.
- Integrity of bone structures.
- The location of the roots of the lungs and their contrast.
- How different are the main and small bronchi?
- Transparency of the lung tissue, presence of shadows.
If carried out, it is necessary to identify:
- Presence of fractures.
- Pronounced with enlargement of the brain.
- Pathology of the “sella turcica”, which appears as a result of increased intracranial pressure.
- Presence of brain tumors.
To make a correct diagnosis, the results of an X-ray examination must be compared with other tests and functional tests.
Contraindications for radiography
Everyone knows that the radiation loads that the body experiences during such research can lead to radiation mutations, despite the fact that they are very insignificant. To minimize the risk, it is necessary to take x-rays only strictly as prescribed by the doctor and in compliance with all safety rules.
It is necessary to distinguish between diagnostic and preventive radiography. The first has practically no absolute contraindications, but it must be remembered that it is also not recommended for everyone to do it. Such research should be justified; you should not prescribe it to yourself.
Even during pregnancy, if other methods fail to make a correct diagnosis, it is not prohibited to resort to radiography. The risk for the patient is always less than the harm that an undetected disease can bring.
For preventive purposes, X-rays should not be taken on pregnant women and children under 14 years of age.
X-ray examination of the spine
X-rays of the spine are performed quite often; the indications for their performance are:
- Pain in the back or limbs, a feeling of numbness.
- Detection of degenerative changes in intervertebral discs.
- The need to identify spinal injuries.
- Diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the spinal column.
- Detection of spinal curvatures.
- If there is a need to recognize congenital anomalies of the spine.
- Diagnosis of changes after surgery.
An X-ray procedure of the spine is performed in a lying position; first you need to remove all jewelry and undress to the waist.
The doctor usually warns that you should not move during the examination so that the pictures do not turn out blurry. The procedure does not take more than 15 minutes and does not cause any inconvenience to the patient.
There are contraindications for radiography of the spine:
- Pregnancy.
- If an X-ray using a barium compound was taken within the last 4 hours. In this case, the pictures will not be of high quality.
- Obesity also makes it difficult to obtain informative images.
In all other cases, this research method has no contraindications.
X-ray of joints
Such diagnostics is one of the main methods for studying the osteoarticular apparatus. X-rays of the joints may show:
- Disturbances in the structure of articular surfaces.
- The presence of bone growths along the edge of the cartilaginous tissue.
- Areas of calcium deposition.
- Development of flat feet.
- Arthritis, arthrosis.
- Congenital pathologies of bone structures.
Such a study helps not only to identify disorders and deviations, but also to recognize complications, as well as determine treatment tactics.
Indications for radiography of joints may include:
- Joint pain.
- Changing its shape.
- Pain during movements.
- Limited mobility in the joint.
- Received injury.
If there is a need to undergo such a study, then it is better to ask your doctor where to get an X-ray of the joints in order to get the most reliable result.
Requirements for conducting radiation examination
In order for an X-ray examination to give the most effective result, it must be carried out in compliance with certain requirements:
- The area of interest should be located in the center of the image.
- If there is damage to the tubular bones, then one of the adjacent joints must be visible on the image.
- If one of the bones of the leg or forearm is fractured, both joints must be recorded in the image.
- It is advisable to take radiography in different planes.
- If there are pathological changes in the joints or bones, then it is necessary to take a picture of a symmetrically located healthy area so that the changes can be compared and assessed.
- To make a correct diagnosis, the quality of the images must be high, otherwise a repeat procedure will be required.
How often can you have x-rays?
The effect of radiation on the body depends not only on the duration, but also on the intensity of exposure. The dose also directly depends on the equipment on which the research is carried out; the newer and more modern it is, the lower it is.
It is also worth considering that different areas of the body have their own radiation exposure rates, since all organs and tissues have different sensitivity.
Carrying out radiography on digital devices reduces the dose several times, so it can be done more often. It is clear that any dose is harmful to the body, but it is also worth understanding that radiography is a study that can detect dangerous diseases, the harm from which to humans is much greater.
X-ray examination I
used to study the structure and functions of organs in normal and pathological conditions. Allows you to diagnose, determine the localization and extent of identified pathological changes, as well as their dynamics during the treatment process. The study is based on the fact that x-ray radiation, passing through organs and tissues, is absorbed by them to an unequal extent, which makes it possible to obtain their image on a special screen or x-ray film. The difference in the optical density of adjacent areas of the image on the radiograph (or the difference in the brightness of the fluorescent screen) determines the images. Many organs and tissues of the body, differing from each other in density and chemical composition, absorb differently, which determines the natural contrast of the resulting image. Thanks to this, R. and. bones and joints, lungs, heart and some other organs can be performed without special preparation. To study the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, bronchi, vessels, the natural contrast of which is insufficient, artificial contrast is resorted to: special harmless X-ray contrast agents are introduced that absorb much more strongly (barium sulfate, organic iodine compounds) or weaker (gas) than structure under study. For the purpose of artificial contrasting of organs and tissues, they are taken orally (for example, with R. and. stomach), introduced into the bloodstream (for example, with urography), into the cavities or tissues surrounding (for example, with ligamentography), or directly into the cavity (lumen ) or organ parenchyma (for example, with maxillary sinusography, bronchography, hepatography). At
fluoroscopy (X-ray) intense shadows on the screen correspond to dense organs and tissues, lighter shadows refer to less dense formations containing gas, i.e. the image is positive ( rice. 1, a
). On radiographs, the ratio of darkening and clearing is the opposite, i.e. negative image ( rice. 1, b
). When describing photographs, they always proceed from the relationships inherent in a positive image, i.e. Light areas on x-rays are called shadows, dark areas are called clearings. The choice of the optimal method depends on the diagnostic task in each specific case. to R. and. determined by the patient’s condition and the specifics of the specific method of R. and. (for example, contraindicated in acute inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract). X-ray examination is carried out in X-ray rooms. When examining persons
those in serious condition (for example, shock or injuries requiring emergency interventions), R. and. carried out directly in the intensive care unit or in the operating room using ward or dressing X-ray units. According to indications, it is possible to examine patients in dressing rooms, emergency departments, hospital wards, etc. The study, depending on the direction of the X-ray beam in relation to the plane of the body, is carried out mainly in direct, lateral and oblique projections. With direct projection ( rice. 2, a, b
) is directed sagittally, i.e. perpendicular to the frontal plane of the body. With the anterior direct (dorsoventral) projection, the radiation source is located behind the subject, and the film is adjacent to the front surface of the body; with the posterior direct (ventrodorsal) projection, the location of the radiation source and receiver is reversed. With a lateral projection (left or right), the central ray passes perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the body, i.e. along its frontal plane ( rice. 2, c, d
). Oblique projections are characterized by the direction of the central ray at an angle to the frontal and sagittal planes ( rice. 2, d, f, g, h
). There are four oblique projections - right and left anterior and right and left posterior. In some cases, with R. and. it is necessary to use additional projections obtained by rotating the patient around one axis (usually longitudinal). Such a study is called multi-projection. If this is not enough, the patient is also rotated around other axes (see Polypositional study). When studying a number of anatomical formations, such as the orbit, the middle ear, special projections are used - axial (the central ray is directed along the axis of the organ), tangential (the central ray is directed tangentially to the surface of the organ), etc. X-ray examination usually begins with
fluoroscopy (fluoroscopy)
or
radiography (X-ray). Using fluoroscopy, they examine the motor function of some internal organs (heart, stomach, intestines, etc.), determine the displacement of pathological formations during palpation or changing the patient’s position, etc., which has high resolution, makes it possible to more clearly and clearly display the structures of the body. Fluoroscopy constitutes a group of general radiological methods. They also form the basis of private and special x-ray methods, based on the use of special techniques and technical means, which are used to obtain additional information about the function and structure of the organ under study. Private methods include Teleradiography and Electroradiography,
Tomography,
Fluorography, etc. To record the movements of organs (for example, the heart, lungs, diaphragm), fluoroscopy is used using video magnetic recording of the image. Special methods (Bronchography,
Cholegraphy,
Urography,
Angiography, etc.) are intended to study a specific system, organ or part thereof, usually after artificial contrast. They are used according to strict indications only in cases where simpler methods do not provide the necessary diagnostic results. Sometimes preliminary preparation of the patient is necessary, ensuring the quality of R. and., reducing the discomfort associated with the study, and preventing the development of complications. So, before carrying out R. and. colon, cleansing; if necessary, during R. and. puncture of a vessel or duct using local anesthesia; before the introduction of some radiopaque agents, hyposensitizing drugs are prescribed; To more clearly identify the functional state of the organ during the study, various medications can be used (stimulating gastrointestinal motility, reducing sphincters, etc.). Analysis obtained during R. and. information consists of several successive stages: identification of radiological symptoms, interpretation of the X-ray picture, comparison of X-ray data with the results of clinical and previous X-ray studies, differential diagnosis and formulation of the final conclusion. Complications associated with the use of R. and. are rare. They mainly occur during artificial contrasting of cavities, organs and systems of the body and are manifested by allergic reactions, acute respiratory distress, collapse, reflex disorders of cardiac activity, embolism, damage to organs and tissues. The vast majority of complications develop during the study or in the first 30 min after its completion. Complications in the form of radiation damage (Radiation damage)
with strict observance of all rules of anti-radiation protection (anti-radiation protection) are not observed. They can arise only in case of gross violation of the rules for working with sources of ionizing radiation (operation of faulty equipment, violation of research methods, refusal to use personal protective equipment, etc.). Protection from radiation of patients and personnel is achieved by proper layout of the X-ray room, limiting the irradiation field by the size of the area under study and shielding the area where the genital organs are located, using additional filtration of the primary radiation beam and personal protective equipment, etc. X-ray examination of children. The main method of R. and. children, especially newborns, is radiography. It is accompanied by less radiation exposure to the patient and at the same time allows one to obtain fairly complete and objective information about the organ being studied. When examining older children, radiography is supplemented with fluoroscopy, with preference given to X-ray television examination, which allows reducing radiation exposure. It is not possible to conduct most of the special studies in children. To fix young children in the optimal position during the study, appropriate devices and devices are used. Areas of the body that are not subject to examination are shielded with lead rubber or a protective screen. Mass fluorographic examinations of children under 12 years of age are prohibited. Bibliography: Zedgenidze G.A. and Osipkova T.A. Emergency in children, L., 1980, bibliogr.; Kishkovsky A.N. and Tyutin L.A. Methods and techniques of electroradiography, M., 1982; Lindenbraten L.D. and Naumov L.B. Methods of X-ray examination of human organs and systems, Tashkent, 1976. X-ray image of the hand is normal: positive image observed during fluoroscopy (dense tissue corresponds to darker areas of the image)"> Rice. 1a). X-ray image of the hand is normal: a positive image observed during fluoroscopy (dense tissue corresponds to darker areas of the image). Rice. 2. Standard x-ray projections: a - anterior line; b - back straight; c - left side; g - right lateral; d - right anterior oblique; e - left anterior oblique; g - right posterior oblique; h - left posterior oblique; 1 - X-ray source; 2 - cross section of the subject’s body; 3 - spine; 4 - radiation receiver; F - frontal plane, the dotted line indicates the central ray of the radiation beam. in medicine - study of the morphological and functional characteristics of human organs and systems, incl. for the purpose of diagnosing diseases, based on obtaining and analyzing x-ray images of relevant areas of the body. 1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First aid. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. Encyclopedic Dictionary of Medical Terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984.
See what “X-ray examination” is in other dictionaries:
X-ray examination- 25. X-ray examination is the use of x-rays to examine a patient for the purpose of diagnosis and/or prevention of diseases, consisting of one or more x-ray procedures. Source … Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation
X-ray examination
Examination of an x-ray. Radiology is a branch of radiology that studies the effects of x-ray radiation on the human body, the diseases and pathological conditions arising from this disease, their treatment and prevention, as well as methods... ... Wikipedia
X-ray examination of the chest organs- rus x-ray examination (c) of the chest organs eng chest radiography fra radiographie (f) thoracique deu Thoraxröntgen (n), Thoraxröntgenaufnahme (f) spa radiografía (f) torácica … Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish
Study of the morphological and functional characteristics of human organs and systems, including for the purpose of diagnosing diseases, based on obtaining and analyzing x-ray images of the relevant areas of the body... Large medical dictionary
See Tomography... Large medical dictionary
I Polypositional study (Greek poly many + Lat. positio installation, position) is a method of x-ray examination in which, by changing the position of the patient’s body, optimal projections of the organ being studied are obtained. When changing position... ... Medical encyclopedia
X-ray examination- rus x-ray examination (c), radiographic examination (c); X-ray examination (с) eng X ray examination, radiological examination fra examen (m) radiologique deu Röntgenuntersuchung (f) spa examen (m) con rayos X,… … Occupational safety and health. Translation into English, French, German, Spanish
Radiography remains one of the most popular and informative examination methods. It is based on the ability of X-rays to pass through tissue and be absorbed by them to varying degrees.
X-ray allows you to clarify the diagnosis and identify various diseases at the initial stage. In medicine, radiography is used in a variety of areas: when examining the organs of the chest, head, pelvic organs, mammary glands, etc. Very often, X-ray examination methods are used for fractures and injuries.
The essence of the method is that X-ray radiation passes through tissue and is displayed on film or a monitor. The organs of the human body have different densities, structures, and chemical compositions, so rays passing through the tissue are absorbed to varying degrees. The information content of such an examination is quite high, but only a specialist can decipher the images correctly.
The radiation dose from X-rays does not cause significant harm to the body if the rules of the procedure are followed. The doses are minimal, so we can’t talk about radiation.
There are many types of x-ray examination. The most popular are:
- X-ray of the abdominal and chest cavity. Using this method, the integrity of the ribs, the heart and aorta, the lungs, their volume and the presence of neoplasms, folds and accumulations of gases in the intestines, and the presence of foreign bodies are examined. Indications for this may include pain in the chest or abdomen, suspicion of cough, prolonged cough, vomiting.
- Irrigoscopy. This type of x-ray is an examination of the large intestine with the introduction of a contrast agent into its lumen. The pictures show the filling of the intestine, which helps to determine its anatomical features, fistulas and diverticula, neoplasms, etc.
- . A mammogram is a screening test. X-rays are passed through the breast tissue, revealing various tumors. First of all, this examination method is used to prevent breast cancer and detect it in the early stages.
- X-ray of the stomach. Using X-rays and a contrast agent, you can assess the condition of the stomach and duodenum and identify various diseases in the early stages.
- Orthopantomography. Radiography is also used in dental practice. Using orthopantomography, you can identify carious cavities in teeth, assess the condition of the bite and jaw as a whole, and determine the number of erupted and unerupted teeth.
X-rays may or may not use contrast material. Before the examination, you must make sure that there is no allergy to it.
Preparation, radiation dose and frequency of examination
X-ray is a radiation diagnostic method, so a certain dose of radiation is used. For an adult, this dose is not dangerous in the absence of contraindications. If the examination is carried out 1-2 times a year, there will be no consequences.
On average, the radiation dose for a chest examination is 0.3 mSv, and for a dental examination it is 0.04. It is worth considering that this is the dose for a film examination. If it is digital, more modern, the radiation dose is significantly reduced. So, for example, when examining the chest, it will leave 0.03 mSv.
More informative, but it is associated with the use of large doses of radiation.
There are special methods of protection that can reduce the negative impact on the body - these are various aprons and plates.
If a person has serious injuries and is forced to undergo regular X-ray examinations, then the maximum permissible radiation dose per year is 150 mSv.
Most often, x-rays are performed without preparation, but in some cases it may be necessary:
- If this is an examination of the stomach or intestines, then the procedure is performed only on an empty stomach. Before the examination, your doctor may advise you to follow a diet that reduces the formation of gas. Before examining the intestines, you also need to do cleansing enemas.
- executed at a specific time in the cycle. The optimal time for the procedure is 6-12 days of the menstrual cycle.
- Before examining the urinary system, the patient drinks a large amount of water. When contrast is used, it is administered intravenously.
- If a thorough cleansing of the intestines is required, the drug Fortrans is used instead of enemas. This is a powder that needs to be dissolved in water and drunk every half hour. In total you need to drink 3 liters of liquid. The drug causes loose, painless stools and flushes the entire intestine. Preparation is carried out the day before the examination; you cannot eat after taking the drug.
After the examination, the patient does not feel any discomfort. If the intestines were filled with barium, there will be bloating and a feeling of flatulence, and there may also be stool disturbances for some time. In other cases there are no consequences.
Contraindications and side effects
If pneumothorax is present, X-rays are not recommended!
Before conducting an examination, the doctor collects information about the patient and asks him to answer a number of questions in order to identify possible contraindications.
For example, in case of open bleeding, an X-ray examination is not prescribed. Sometimes before the procedure it is recommended to take a blood test to identify chronic diseases.
Contraindications to the use of x-ray examination are:
- Childhood. For a growing organism, where cells divide quickly, x-rays can be dangerous. Such cells are especially sensitive to radiation. The child may develop various complications and developmental disorders, with side effects especially often affecting the reproductive system.
- Pregnancy. As is known, X-ray radiation has a negative effect on the fetus. The child may develop various pathologies, so before the examination you need to make sure there is no pregnancy. If a woman did not know about pregnancy and underwent examination, the doctor may advise terminating the pregnancy in cases where the likelihood of fetal abnormalities is too high.
- The patient's serious condition. Patients in serious condition, unconscious, are not prescribed an X-ray examination.
- Problems with . For diseases of the thyroid gland, it is better to refrain from X-ray examination and choose safer methods:,.
- Serious illnesses and... X-ray radiation can worsen kidney and liver problems. The contrast agent is excreted through the kidneys. If they do not perform their function well, the substance accumulates in the body, causing intoxication.
- Allergy to iodine. This only applies when contrast is used. The substance contains iodine and, if you are allergic to it, causes a strong reaction, burning sensation, swelling, etc.
However, even these contraindications are relative. X-rays may be prescribed in extreme cases, even during pregnancy. In the absence of contraindications and compliance with the examination rules, the likelihood of side effects is reduced to zero.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
Although X-rays can have negative effects on the body's cells, this examination method has many advantages. It was invented at the end of the 19th century and has not lost its relevance since then. Over time, new and more improved devices have been created that minimize the negative impact.
Among the advantages of the method:
- Information content. Radiography is a very informative and reliable method of examination if the images are correctly interpreted. When using a contrast agent, the information content increases. This makes it possible to identify diseases, including cancer, at the earliest stages and begin treatment in a timely manner.
- Painlessness The procedure is painless; discomfort can only occur when contrast is introduced into the intestines or stomach. There is no violation of tissue integrity, and the patient does not experience severe discomfort.
- Speed of the procedure. Standard chest X-rays are performed very quickly, literally in a few minutes. CT and barium enema may take longer due to more complex preparation.
- Affordable price. Unlike other modern examination methods, the procedure is affordable. It is carried out in any clinic or private medical center. If indicated, the doctor can give a referral for a free procedure.
Among the negative aspects, the harm of X-ray radiation is primarily mentioned. However, after the examination, no traces of radiation remain in the body. The risk of damage to tissues and cells during examination of an adult is small; the benefit of a correctly made diagnosis significantly exceeds it.
More information about x-rays can be found in the video:
Disadvantages include discomfort and allergic reactions when using a contrast agent, as well as the presence of contraindications, such as pregnancy.
Some experts believe that frequent CT scans with high radiation doses increase the risk of cancer, so this test is performed only when necessary.Despite the high information content, x-rays do not always make it possible to make a diagnosis. Sometimes further examination and the use of other, more modern methods are required.
