Knowing the Body Condition with X-Ray Examination

X-ray examination or X-ray is a medical imaging technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to take pictures or photographs of the inside of the body. This procedure is part of supporting examinations for the purpose of establishing a more accurate diagnosis. Injury, infection, broken bones, arthritis, tooth decay, osteoporosis, or bone cancer are some medical conditions that require an x-ray examination. The main priority of x-ray is used to see bones and joints. However, x-rays are sometimes also used to detect problems in soft tissue such as internal organs. This ray can also be used to check for problems in the lungs, breasts, heart, blood vessels, to the urinary tract and digestion. Even x-ray examinations can be done to scan for solid objects that are accidentally swallowed. In addition to X-rays, x-rays are also used in CT scanning and fluoroscopy procedures.

How Does X-Ray Inspection Work?

When the x-ray examination is done, the machine will send waves of electromagnetic radiation briefly to the body to scan the condition of the inner body. The radiation absorbed by each part of the body will be different. This is what later makes the x-ray photograph show color differences from white, gray, to black:
  • When it comes to metal or solid body parts such as bone, most of the x-ray particles are blocked. The x-ray examination results will also appear white.
  • If the x-ray hits the muscles, fat, and fluid, the results of the x-ray examination will appear in gray.
  • The black color indicates that the x-ray hit the air.

Is X-Ray safe?

When taking pictures of the body by x-ray examination, radiation is indeed used. However, the amount or level of exposure is so small that it is considered safe for adults. However, too many tests that use x-rays have the potential to damage DNA in body cells to increase the risk of cancer later in life, even though the risk is relatively low. Compared to X-rays, x-ray radiation exposure is higher on CT scans and fluoroscopy. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that the risk of cancer from x-ray exposure is higher in:
  • Patients who often do medical imaging with large doses
  • Younger patients
  • The patient is female
X-ray examination is also declared not good for small children and fetuses in the womb, especially if the x-ray is done on parts of the body close to the uterus. This is because x-ray radiation exposure is at risk of causing miscarriage in early pregnancy or an increased risk of the baby being born handicapped. Whereas at the womb more than 8 weeks, exposure to radiation risks causing children born with conditions of learning disabilities and intellectual problems. Therefore, pregnant women are advised not to be given treatment using x-ray, except in emergency situations. Sometimes when using an x-ray, the doctor will inject a contrast agent from iodine or barium into the patient's body to improve image quality. Unfortunately, these dyes can cause some side effects such as itching, hives, dizziness, nausea, risk of kidney problems, and tongue taste metal sensation. In relatively rare cases, the dye can even cause severe reactions such as very low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, acute kidney failure, or cardiac arrest. If you have an x-ray examination and have been contrasted by a doctor, it is advisable to drink plenty of water afterwards. This will help get rid of the contrast substances from the body. Don't forget to tell the doctor if the part of the skin that is injected experiences redness, pain, and swelling. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before conducting an x-ray examination to ensure you have all the information needed.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Apparently This Is The Main Cause Of The Sting Of Eyes

Mother, This is what you should do when you are 8 months pregnant