X-ray :Diagnosis-Benefits-Types-Symptoms-Risk

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is a common imaging test that’s been used for decades. It helps your doctor see inside your body without having to make an incision This can help them diagnose, monitor and treat many medical conditions.

Different types of X-rays are used for different purposes For example your doctor may order a mammogram to examine your breasts Or they may order an X-ray with a barium enema to get a closer look at your gastrointestinal tract.

There are some risks involved in getting an X-ray But for most people the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor to learn more about what is right for you.

X-ray

Radiography is the imaging of frame systems, or components of the frame, using X-rays. X-rays are a form of radiation (X-radiation) similar to seen light, radio waves and microwaves. X-radiation is unique as it has a very excessive electricity stage that lets in the X-ray beam to penetrate through the body and create a photograph or photograph.

Plain X-rays are the most effective scientific photographs created through X-radiation. Other tests that also use X-rays are more complicated and require the usage of computer systems to generate an image; for example, computed tomography: CT (see InsideRadiology: CT scan). Any picture created the usage of an X-ray is due to extraordinary X-radiation absorption through exceptional structures or parts in the body. A dense structure, together with bone, absorbs a high percentage of the X-ray beam (which seems light gray on the picture), while low-density structures, along with smooth tissues, absorb a small percentage (which seems dark gray on the picture). The body has many one of a kind systems of various densities and this difference creates an image or image.

Medical Term X-Ray

An X-ray is a painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body It is particularly useful for determining bone health

X-rays pass through your body and are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials such as bone and metal show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black Fat and muscle appears as shades of gray.

For some types of X-ray tests a contrast medium is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the images.

X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation like light but with higher energy As an invisible beam of X-rays passes through the human body tissues of different densities interfere with the beam to varying degrees The resulting shadows are used to create pictures of the inside of the body revealing bones and other internal structures that cannot be seen otherwise.

Diagnostic imaging specialists

include:

Diagnostic imaging

angiocardiography
angiography
cerebral angiography
brain scanning
echoencephalography
magnetoencephalography
pneumoencephalography
cholecystography
echocardiography
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatoscopy
lung ventilation/perfusion scan
magnetic resonance imaging
cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
functional magnetic resonance imaging
magnetic resonance spectroscopy
mammography
myelography
prenatal testing
tomography
computed tomography
positron emission tomography
single photon emission computed tomography
ultrasound
urography

Who first discovered X-rays?

X-rays were first discovered by the German scientist Wilhelm Röntgen In 1895 he noticed that when a vacuum tube was used to excite a Crookes tube a piece of barium platinocyanide placed on a nearby plate would cast a shadow on the wall He found that this shadow was not blocked like it should have been but instead it showed up clearly in black After some experimentation he realized that this strange effect could be used for seeing through objects He called them X-rays because they did not seem to him to have anything to do with visible light.

x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

(XPS) X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a surface science technique that is used to determine the elemental composition of materials It measures the photoelectron yield from an irradiated sample as a function of binding energy and angular distribution The XPS spectrum arises from the photoionization of sample atoms molecules or defect centers by an x-ray photon.

What rays are used in medicine?

X-rays or electromagnetic radiation are used in medicine to diagnose injuries and illnesses These rays can travel through your body and onto a special film where they will be recorded allowing doctors to see imbalances and track the healing process.

How is X-rays used in medicine?

X-rays are electromagnetic waves that have a shorter wavelength than visible light They're produced when electrons inside atoms jump from a higher energy level to a lower one releasing energy This energy must go somewhere so it's absorbed by the atoms around the jumping electron causing them to emit X-rays The more energetic the atom is the more X-rays it can emit.

When were X-rays used in medicine?

It is estimated that over a billion X-rays are taken each year in the United States alone The first X-ray was produced using Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895. Since then new machines and techniques for taking X-rays have been developed Millions of individuals across the world receive diagnostic X-rays to assist doctors in diagnosing cancer, heart disease and other conditions.

Your doctor may order an X-ray to:

Examine where you are experiencing pain or discomfort
Watch a diagnosed disease progress Monitor the progression of a diagnosed disease such as osteoporosis
Measure how well the treatment is working Check to see if the treatment is working

If you see a health professional for an X-ray there are some conditions that may call for one:

bone cancer
breast tumors
enlarged heart
blocked blood vessels
conditions affecting your lungs
digestive problems
fractures
infections
osteoporosis
arthritis
tooth decay
needing to retrieve swallowed items

X-rays are standard procedures in most cases you will not have to take special steps to prepare for them Depending on the area that your doctor and radiologist are examining you may want to wear loose comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in They may ask you to change into a hospital gown or put on a swimsuit You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other metallic items from your body before an X-ray is taken

Always tell your doctor or radiologist if you have metal implants from prior surgeries These implants can block X-rays from passing through your body and creating a clear image

You may need to take contrast material or “contrast dye” before your X-ray This is a substance that will help improve the quality of the images It may contain iodine or barium compounds depending on the reason for the X-ray The contrast dye may be given in different forms: liquid gel powder or paste There are many ways to decorate a leaf including:

via a liquid that you swallow
injected into your body
Dr will give you an enema before your test

Your doctor may ask you to fast before an X-ray of your gastrointestinal tract You will need to avoid eating anything while you fast You may also need to avoid or limit drinking certain liquids In some cases they may also ask you to not eat or drink anything at all Take medications to clear out your bowels Take medication for diarrhea

An X-ray technician or radiologist can perform an X-ray in a hospital’s radiology department a dentist’s office or a clinic that specializes in diagnostic procedures

Once you are prepared your X-ray technician will ask you to lie down or stand still while they take several images They may ask you to stand in front of a special plate that contains X-rays They may ask you to lie down or sit on a special plate and move a large camera over your body to capture x-ray images

It’s important to stay still while the pictures are being taken This will provide the clearest pictures possible

You can use a piece of cardboard to make a box that will hold the leaves and then you can decorate it with stickers

X-rays use small amounts of radiation to make images of your body The level of exposure is considered safe for most adults but not for a developing baby If you are pregnant or think you might be tell your doctor before having an X-ray They may suggest a different procedure

Make sure the decoupage is completely dry Allow the decoupaged leaf to dry completely before using it Pain medicine may be recommended for headaches

If you ingest a contrast material before your X-ray it may cause side effects These include:

hives
itching
nausea
lightheadedness
a metallic taste in your mouth

Sometimes the dye can cause a severe reaction such as anaphylactic shock and low blood pressure If you have a severe reaction contact your doctor immediately

After your X-ray images have been collected you can change back into your usual clothes Your doctor may advise you to go about your normal activities or rest while you’re waiting for your results Your results may be available on the same day as your procedure or in a few days later

Your doctor will review the X-rays and the report from the radiologist to determine how to proceed Depending on your results they may order additional tests that will help them develop a more accurate diagnosis For example they may order additional imaging scans blood tests or other diagnostic measures They may also recommend treatment options such as surgery or medication give a prescription for treatment

Why it's done

X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of the body

Bones and teeth

Fractures and infections.Fractures and infections in bones and teeth are usually visible on X-rays
Arthritis.X-rays of your joints can reveal evidence of arthritis X-rays taken over the years can help your doctor determine if your arthritis is worsening
Dental decay.Dentists use X-rays to check for cavities in your teeth
Osteoporosis.Special types of X-ray tests can measure your bone density
Bone cancer. X-rays can reveal bone tumors.

Chest

Lung infections or conditions.Pneumonia tuberculosis or lung cancer can show up on chest X-rays
Breast cancer.Mammography is a special type of X-ray test that examines breast tissue
Enlarged heart.This X-ray shows a clear sign of congestive heart failure
Blocked blood vessels.Place the leaves on a sheet of waxed paper Put the leaves in a single layer on a sheet of waxed paper

Abdomen

Digestive tract problems.Barium is a contrast medium that can be given orally or via enema to reveal problems in the digestive system
Swallowed items.If your child has swallowed something such as a key or a coin an X-ray can show the location of that object

More Information

Acanthosis nigricans
ACL injury
Acute coronary syndrome
Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Adult Still's disease
Ambiguous genitalia
Anal cancer
Ankylosing spondylitis
Anorexia nervosa
Arthritis
Ascariasis
Aspergillosis
Asthma
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial septal defect (ASD)
Avascular necrosis
Back pain
Bed-wetting
Bell's palsy
Bird flu (avian influenza)
Bladder stones
Blastocystis hominis
Bone cancer
Bone spurs
Breast cancer
Broken ankle
Broken arm
Broken collarbone
Broken foot
Broken hand
Broken leg
Broken nose
Broken ribs
Broken wrist
Brucellosis
Bulimia nervosa
Bunions
Bursitis
Carcinoid tumors
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Castleman disease
Cavities/tooth decay
Cervical spondylosis
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome
Churg-Strauss syndrome
Clubfoot
Colic
Colon cancer
Complex regional pain syndrome
Constipation
Constipation in children
Craniopharyngioma
Craniosynostosis
Croup
Cystic fibrosis
Cystitis
Skeletal Hyperostosis (SH)
Dislocated elbow
Dislocated shoulder
Dry socket
Dwarfism
Dysphagia
Encopresis
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Epiglottitis
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal spasms
Fever
Fibrous dysplasia
Flat Feet
Foot drop
Frostbite
Frozen shoulder
A neurological disorder that causes the person to have seizures and lose awareness of their surroundings
Ganglion cyst
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Glomerulonephritis
Golfer's elbow
Greenstick fractures
Growing pains
Growth plate fractures
Hamstring injury
Heartburn
Heatstroke
Herniated disk
Hip dysplasia
Hip fracture
Hip labral tear
Hirschsprung's disease
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system
Horner syndrome
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
Impacted wisdom teeth
Indigestion
Infant reflux
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Intestinal obstruction
Intussusception
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Iritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Knee bursitis
Kyphosis
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Lung cancer
Lupus
Male breast cancer
Meningitis
Meralgia paresthetica
Metatarsalgia
Morton's neuroma
Mouth cancer
Multiple myeloma
Neck pain
Neuroblastoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Osteoarthritis
Osteochondritis dissecans
Osteomalacia
Osteomyelitis
Paget's disease of bone
Paget's disease of the breast
Patellar tendinitis
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Peptic ulcer
Peyronie's disease
Plantar fasciitis
Posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele)
Precocious puberty
Pseudomembranous colitis
Psoriatic arthritis
Pulmonary atresia
Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect
Pyloric stenosis
Reactive arthritis
Recurrent breast cancer
Residual limb pain
Rickets
Rotator cuff injury
Sacroiliitis
Sarcoidosis
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Sepsis
Septic arthritis
Shaken baby syndrome
Shin splints
Spinal stenosis
Sprained ankle
Sprains
Stickler syndrome
Stress fractures
Swollen knee
Takayasu's arteritis
Tapeworm infection
Tendinitis
Tennis elbow
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Throat cancer
Thumb arthritis
Tooth abscess
Torn meniscus
Tularemia
Ulcerative colitis
Umbilical hernia
Vaginal cancer
Vascular dementia
Vasculitis
Vocal cord paralysis
Wrist pain

Risks X-ray

Radiation exposure

Some people worry that X-rays aren't safe because radiation exposure can cause mutations that may lead to cancer The amount of radiation you are exposed to during an X-ray depends on the tissue or organ being examined Sensitivity to the radiation depends on your age Children are more sensitive than adults More sensitive than adults

X-rays are generally safe but the benefits far outweigh the risks

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant tell your doctor before having an X-ray The risk of most diagnostic X-rays to an unborn baby is small Your doctor may consider another imaging test such as ultrasound

Contrast medium

In some people contrast medium injections can cause side effects such as:

A feeling of warmth or flushing
A metallic taste
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Itching
Hives

Rarely severe reactions to a contract medium occur including:

Severe low blood pressure
Anaphylactic shock
Cardiac arrest

How you prepare

Ask your doctor or nurse to provide you with instructions on how to prepare different types of X-rays

What to wear

You may remove whatever part of your body needs examination You may wear a gown during the exam depending on which area is being X-rayed You may also be asked to remove jewelry eyeglasses and any metal objects because they can show up on an X-ray

What you can expect

During the X-ray

X-rays are performed in doctors' offices dentists' offices emergency rooms and hospitals The machine produces a safe level of radiation that passes through your body and records an image on a specialized plate You cannot feel the X-ray

The technologist positions your body for the X-ray The technologist may use pillows or sandbags to help you hold the position During the X-ray exposure you remain still and sometimes hold your breath to avoid movement so that the image doesn't blur

A simple X-ray may take only a few minutes or longer for more involved procedures

Your child's X-ray

If a child is having an X-ray you can use restraints to keep him or her still These won't harm your child and will prevent the need for a repeat procedure that may be necessary if the child moves during the X-ray exposure

If you are allowed to stay with your child during the X-ray exposure you may be asked to wear a lead apron to shield you from unnecessary exposure

After the X-ray

After an X-ray you can usually resume normal activities Routine X-rays usually have no side effects However if you are injected with contrast medium before your X-rays drink plenty of fluids to help rid your body of it Call your doctor if you have pain swelling or redness at the injection Ask your doctor about other symptoms and signs to watch for

Results

Digital X-rays are saved on computers These can be viewed on a screen in minutes A radiologist views the images and sends a report to your doctor who then explains the results to you In an emergency X-ray results can be made available to your doctor within minutes

Conclusion

vision X-ray vision sounds like something out of a comic book but that doesn't mean it's impossible to achieve X-ray vision is the name used for the ability to see through solid objects using x-rays While this may sound like an unbelievable superpower it has been achieved before by humans several times However because x-rays are so damaging to human tissue gaining the ability to use them as visual aids comes with some major risks.

List of diagnostic procedures