What is X-ray? What you need to know about X-rays

To diagnose diseases related to bones, joints, chest cavity, … fastest, doctors often use X-ray method. Let’s learn about X-rays with Tnhelearning.edu.vn and what you need to know about X-rays!

What is X-ray?

X-ray is a common method used by doctors to diagnose problems related to bones and joints, abdomen, chest cavity, … with images in the shortest time. Specifically, using an X-ray machine will project X-rays into the body and produce specific images, helping the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease. From that result, the doctor will have a timely treatment plan for the patient.

X-rays are applied to parts such as:

• Bones and teeth: Diagnosis of fractures and infections in bones and teeth. Check for cavities in teeth or other dental problems.
• Arthritis: Diagnosis of arthritis, determining the extent of joint damage.
• Bone cancer: An X-ray will show a bone tumor.
• Pneumonia and respiratory diseases: Presence of signs of pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer.
• Breast cancer: Checking breast tissue, thereby detecting signs of breast cancer.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Early detection of problems in the digestive system.
• Foreign body swallowed: X-ray film will show the location of foreign body.

X-ray

How is X-ray done?

An X-ray takes only a few minutes. However, you need to prepare carefully for the shooting process to achieve the most accurate results.

When you’re ready, your doctor will instruct you to stand, lie down, or sit, depending on the part you’re photographing. You must keep your body still during the shoot for the film to produce the clearest image.

After the X-ray is done, you can change back into your clothes. The doctor will review the images and diagnose the disease or assign you to perform additional imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, blood tests, etc.

X-ray is quite simple and fast

Indications and contraindications for X-ray

An X-ray is indicated in the following cases:

• Check the body parts where you feel pain or discomfort.
• Monitor the progression of the disease after a period of treatment such as osteoporosis, arthritis, etc.
• Check how your condition improves according to the treatment your doctor prescribes.
• Some diseases that the patient has or is suspected to have is indicated for X-ray such as bone disease, breast tumor, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, digestive problem, dental disease, etc. swallowing foreign body…

X-rays are contraindicated in the following cases:

• People who are in a serious stage of illness
• Pregnant women, especially the first trimester
• Contraindicated X-ray contrast for patients: people with thyroid disease, people who are sensitive to iodine-containing substances, women who are breastfeeding.

What do I need to prepare before taking an X-ray?

The X-ray process is quite simple and quick, so you don’t need to do a lot of preparation before taking it.

You will need to change into a hospital gown or undress (in the X-ray site) to easily expose the injury and remove jewelry and metal objects from your body.

Prepare before X-ray

However, if you have metal in your body from previous surgeries (artificial heart valve, artificial joint, etc.), talk to your doctor to find out how to handle it because these devices can cause damage. X-ray images are not accurate.

In some cases, you may need to give contrast dye by mouth, injection, or injection before the X-ray to improve the quality of the image on the film.

If you have an X-ray to check your digestive tract, you will have to fast before the scan for a certain amount of time as ordered by your doctor for the results of the X-ray to be highly accurate.

Some frequently asked questions

How long does it take for an X-ray to have results?

X-rays are usually available right after the scan and your doctor will make a conclusion about your condition.

Do X-rays reduce life expectancy?

X-ray body is only exposed to a small amount of X-rays for a very short time, so it will not have a big impact on health . If you are worried, talk to your doctor for detailed advice before having an X-ray.

Can X-rays affect the fetus?

Exposure to high-dose X-ray radiation 2 to 8 weeks after conception or about 8 to 16 weeks of pregnancy can cause complications such as birth defects or an increased risk of physical disabilities. or brain. However, a single x-ray, the dose is very low, so it will not cause these complications.

Before having an X-ray, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or could possibly become pregnant. Depending on the individual case, the doctor may delay the scan or reduce the amount of radiation to minimize the risk of harm to the fetus.

Some frequently asked questions

Do X-rays affect sperm?

Exposure to X-rays has the potential to reduce sperm production, and high doses can significantly reduce sperm count. It took several years for this production to return to normal. However, if the amount of beam is low and the exposure time is not too long, this risk will be greatly reduced.

What diseases can X-rays help detect?

X -ray is indicated to diagnose musculoskeletal diseases, dental diseases (dental caries, gingivitis, …), pneumonia and respiratory diseases, breast cancer, detecting foreign bodies in the body. body.

X-rays help detect disease

Can an X-ray detect cancer or a tumor?

X-rays can help detect tumors in different parts of the body so that the doctor can have the earliest treatment plan for the patient.

Can I eat or drink before the X-ray?

Most will not require you to fast before an X-ray. However, when your doctor orders a barium swallow X-ray, you will be asked not to eat or drink 6 hours before the scan.

Above is information about X-rays and things to know about X-rays that Tnhelearning.edu.vn wants to send to you. Hope this information will be useful to you. Follow Tnhelearning.edu.vn to read more good articles!

Source: Vinmec.com health information page

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