X-ray
is short for X-radiation and it is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
In the medical world, X-rays are done often performed to diagnose
problems in bones, organs and blood vessels. X-rays are performed by a
radiologist.
It is important to note
that a radiologist is well-trained to perform different types of X-rays.
He or she knows the proper procedure for each examination. Follow the
instruction of your radiologist like properly positioning the body and
holding one’s breath when he or she signals. For example, when
undergoing a chest X-ray, taking a deep breath and holding it inflates
the lungs, making the surrounding structures and tissues more visible
for a clearer output image.
Bone X-ray
Bones
are hard tissue that can easily be seen through an X-ray. This is
performed to check if there are any bone fractures, bone infection,
tooth decay, thinning of bones, curvature of the spine (scoliosis) and
bone cancer.
Chest X-ray
A
chest X-ray is a good way to see any abnormalities in the chest area
including the arteries, heart and lungs. This examination can diagnose
heart conditions such as a congenital heart disease, heart failure and
pericarditis. For the lungs, it can diagnose lung cancer, pneumonia and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Contrast Medium X-ray
Contrast
medium X-rays involve a liquid that the patient is required to drink
before the X-ray is performed. This is done to differentiate the
structures in the body. Patients with allergies to contrast medium in
the past should inform the radiologist right away.
- Barium Swallow is a test to diagnose problems in the upper digestive system and to check abdominal pain symptoms.
- Barium Enema tests involve pumping barium solution through the anus to diagnose bowel problems like constipation and blood in stool.
- Angiography is a test to check the blood vessels.
- Intravenous Urogram involves injecting iodine solution into the veins to diagnose problems in the kidney, bladder and urinary tract.
X-ray Precautions
Patients
undergoing X-rays are exposed to a minimal amount of radiation. This is
not something to be concerned about as humans are exposed to various
natural sources of radiation on a daily basis. The amount of radiation
from X-rays is equal to the natural radiation one can get in 10 days.
However, pregnant women cannot undergo X-rays as the radiation can
affect fetal development.
Vista Clinical Diagnostics
2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd #220, Tampa, FL 33607
813-964-6623
http://www.vista-clinical.com/
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