When your child is sick or has an accident, we all want to get everything checked out and get well soon. It's very natural. But when the doctor asks you to do something like an X-ray or a CT scan, there are times when you have to think about whether it's really 'necessary' . Because these tests add a certain amount of radiation to the child's body. It's very important for us as parents to be fully aware of this.
Is this radiation really dangerous for children?
Simply put, tests like X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans use a certain amount of radiation. It has been found that frequent exposure to this radiation can slightly increase the risk of developing diseases like cancer in the future.
The important thing is that because children's bodies are still developing, they are more sensitive to this radiation than adults. This means that if exposed to the same amount of radiation, a child is more likely to be affected than an adult.
But don't be afraid of this. X-rays and CT scans are very important medical tests that can sometimes even save lives. The problem is that they are sometimes used unnecessarily .
Remember, it is not advisable for anyone of any age to be exposed to more radiation than necessary. We need to think twice about this when it comes to children.
Why have there been so many scans?
A new study shows that the average child will undergo about seven scans that use radiation before they turn 18. Most of these are X-rays, which use relatively little radiation. But it's worth thinking about the fact that about 1 in 8 scans done on children is a CT scan.
A CT scan involves the machine rotating around the body and taking many pictures. This can result in a radiation dose that is up to 200 times higher than a regular chest X-ray.
There are several reasons for this:
1. Reliance on technology: Sometimes doctors are tempted to perform a scan for a quick answer rather than listening to the patient's details and physically examining them to arrive at a diagnosis.
2. Parental influence: We also want to know exactly what the disease is as soon as possible. There are times when we ask, "Doctor, should we do a scan?" This also puts some pressure on the doctors.
For example, one study found that when a child is brought to the emergency room (ETU) with a head injury, they are better off waiting 4-6 hours for a CT scan than they are for a CT scan right away. The child's safety was not compromised during that observation period.
| Test type | Radiation level | Commonly used situations |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Very low | For things like bone fractures, lung infections (pneumonia). |
| CT Scan (Computed Tomography) | Very high (100-200 times higher than an X-ray) | Serious head injuries, problems with internal organs, cancer diagnosis. |
| Ultrasound Scan | No radiation energy | During pregnancy, abdominal examination, and suspected appendicitis. |
What is the risk?
You may have heard of a study that found that children who had two or three CT scans had a three-fold increased risk of developing brain cancer or leukemia compared to children who had not.
But don't worry about this. This risk is very small. The chance of a child developing this disease is very small in the first place. Even if that low value is three times higher, it is still very small. According to experts, if 10,000 CT scans are performed, only one additional cancer patient could be born as a result.
The problem is that because children's bodies are smaller, if they are scanned with the same settings as adults, the child will receive a higher dose of radiation. In children's hospitals, the machines are usually adjusted to fit the child's size. But in general hospitals, where 90% of children are scanned, that is not always the case.
What can we do as parents to prevent unnecessary scans?
This is the most important part. There are a few simple things we can do to make sure that these tests are only done when the child really needs them.
1. Ask the doctor questions
Feel free to ask your doctor these questions with respect and without fear. This is your right.
| Question to ask | Why is this important? |
|---|---|
| 1. Does this test emit radiation? | Tests like ultrasound and MRI do not involve radiation, so it is important to know this first. |
| 2. Why is this test being done? | This will help you understand the exact purpose of the test. |
| 3. How will this help my child's treatment? | You can find out if the results of the test will affect changes in the medication or treatment given to the child. |
| 4. Is there an alternative (e.g. ultrasound) that does not involve radiation? | In some cases, for example, if appendicitis is suspected, an ultrasound may be performed first. |
2. Keep records
Keep a record of every scan your child has. Keep a record of the date, location, and, if possible, a copy of the scan. This can help prevent unnecessary repeat scans when changing hospitals for the same condition.
3. If possible, go to a children's hospital.
If a scan is absolutely necessary, and you have time to make a choice, it's best to go to a children's hospital, as the staff there are trained to adjust the radiation dose to the exact dose needed for children.
A word about dental X-rays
Even when children go to the dentist, they still need to have X-rays. It is recommended that children with tooth decay have an X-ray every 6-12 months. Children without tooth decay can go without X-rays for a year or two. The risk of radiation from these is low.
But some dentists use a special type of CT scan called a cone-beam CT. This uses more radiation than a regular dental X-ray (but less than a medical CT scan). These are not usually needed for routine checkups, except in special cases such as a dental accident or dental implants. Talk to your doctor about this too.
Take-Home Message
- If your child is scheduled for an X-ray or CT scan, ask the doctor whether it will emit radiation, why it is being done, and whether there are radiation-free alternatives.
- Because children are more sensitive to radiation, agree to a test only if it is absolutely necessary .
- A CT scan emits a higher dose of radiation than an X-ray, so be especially careful when ordering a CT scan.
- Keep a record (date, location) of every scan your child has. This will help prevent unnecessary repeat scans.
- Don't be afraid to learn this information. These are life-saving tests. The important thing is to be an informed parent, talk to your doctor, and choose what is best and safest for your child.
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