Did you say you wanted an X-Ray? Don't worry, we'll find out! (X-Ray)

Have you ever had a doctor order you to get an X-ray ? Maybe it was because you fell and hurt your arm or leg, or to find out the cause of a persistent cough. Some people get a little scared when they hear the word X-ray. “What will happen?”, “Is it difficult?”, “Isn’t radiation bad for the body?” are all questions that come to mind. But X-rays are not something we should be afraid of. They are a very important and safe test used in medicine to accurately diagnose many diseases. So let’s learn more about them today.

What exactly is an X-Ray?

Simply put, an X-ray is a special method used to take a picture (photo) of things inside our bodies. To be precise, it sends a very small amount of radiation ( radiation ) through the body and uses it to take a picture of the internal organs, especially the bones ( bones ). We call this picture a `radiograph`.

Imagine taking a photo of your hand. But this doesn't show the surface of the hand, but the bones inside. This is like having two eyes for doctors. This helps them see clearly what's going on inside the body.

In what situations are we told to take an X-ray?

There are many reasons why a doctor might recommend an X-ray. The main reason X-rays are used is to diagnose things like:

In addition, X-rays are used to check for certain cancers , heart failure , and to find the cause of some abdominal pain.

Special tests using X-Ray technology

In addition to a regular X-ray, there are several other special tests that use this same technology.

• Mammography: This is a special X-ray test used to detect breast cancer or other problems early. The breast is placed between two plates and very detailed images are taken.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography – CT Scan): This involves taking a series of X-ray images from different angles and then using a computer to create a three-dimensional (3D) image of the body. This allows the doctor to see a much deeper and clearer picture.
• Fluoroscopy: Some people call this an “X-ray movie.” This involves sending a continuous beam of X-rays through a part of the body, and watching the part move like a video. This method is used to see how organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs are working, or how a joint is moving.

What happens when you take an X-Ray?

Most of the time, no special preparation is needed for a routine X-ray. However, before the X-ray is taken, you may be asked to remove any jewelry, glasses, or other metal objects you are wearing, as these can interfere with the X-ray image.

Depending on the part of your body being examined, you will be asked to stand or lie down on a table. The X-ray machine is above you, and the film that will take the image is in a drawer under the table.

You won't feel anything. The machine sends a beam of radiation through your body. Because the beam is blocked by solid objects in your body, such as bones, it appears white on the film. Because the radiation passes through soft tissues, such as muscle and fat, it appears gray . Because there is air in your lungs, it appears black on the picture.

Sometimes, if the doctor wants to see something more clearly, he or she may use a contrast agent (a substance that shows up clearly). This is something like barium or iodine. This may be given to you to drink or as an injection.

How do I get the X-Ray report?

A radiologist is the one who reads your X-ray and interprets what is in it. He is a doctor who has been specially trained to read test reports such as X-rays and CT scans. Nowadays, most X-ray images are digital, so in an emergency (for example, in the ETU), you can see the report in a few minutes. In a normal situation, it can take about a day to get the report.

Are there any risks with an X-Ray?

This is a question that many people have in mind. The truth is, the risks of an X-ray are very small compared to the benefits it provides.

• Cancer risk: Excessive exposure to any radiation can cause cancer. However, an X-ray uses a very small amount of radiation. So there is no need to worry about it. Although children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, the dose used is even lower.
• When X-raying a child: When a small child is being X-rayed, special restraints may be used to keep the child still. This is not done to hurt the child. It is done to get a clear picture at once and to avoid having to take multiple X-rays. If you are in the room with the child, you may be given a special apron containing lead for your safety.
• Pregnancy: This is very important! If you are pregnant or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, it is essentialYou should tell the doctor and technician before taking the X-ray. They will then refer your child to another appropriate test, such as an MRI, to avoid exposing them to radiation.
• Possible reactions to the contrast agent: Some people may have an allergic reaction to this substance. This is very rare. Talk to your doctor about this in advance and find out what symptoms to look out for. Tell them right away if you have any pain, swelling or redness where the injection was given.

What things can't be seen with an X-Ray?

X-rays are great for looking at things like broken bones and tooth decay. But if there is a problem with the soft tissues of the body, such as the kidneys, intestines, brain, muscles, and ligaments, other tests are better suited to look at it.

For example, a doctor may recommend an MRI scan rather than an X-ray to diagnose a condition such as a torn ligament in the knee or a torn muscle in the shoulder. Similarly, an MRI is better suited to diagnose the cause of back pain, as it can clearly see the spine and the spinal cord within it.

A CT scan is used at the ETU to diagnose conditions such as a head injury , kidney stones, or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

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