What are the dangers of taking a chest X-ray?

For conditions such as lung discomfort and heart disease, experts will recommend taking a chest X-ray to understand the most detailed situation. This is a common routine examination item. There is a certain amount of radiation during the examination, but the degree is very small and generally does not cause harm to the patient, so don't worry; however, if you are pregnant, it is best to avoid doing a chest X-ray during the entire pregnancy.

1. The role of chest X-ray

Chest X-rays are often used to examine diseases of the thorax (including ribs, thoracic vertebrae, soft tissue, etc.), chest cavity, lung tissue, mediastinum, heart, etc. Such as pneumonia, tumor, fracture, pneumothorax, cor pulmonale, and heart disease.

2. Chest X-ray is simple and useful

A chest X-ray, commonly known as a "chest radiograph," is also listed as one of the examination items in a routine physical examination. The advantages of X-ray photography, such as speed, simplicity and economy, are becoming increasingly prominent, making it the preferred choice for chest examinations.

Characteristics of chest X-rays: Chest X-rays can clearly record gross lesions of the lungs, such as lung inflammation, masses, tuberculosis, etc. X-rays use the different densities of human tissue to observe lesions in areas with smaller differences in thickness and density. Compared with chest fluoroscopy, chest X-rays have clearer images and can detect subtle lesions; the objective record of imaging data is conducive to the review and comparison of disease diagnosis and treatment; and the radiation dose received by patients during fluoroscopy is also relatively larger.

Although the examination is good, it is an indisputable fact that excessive radiation is harmful to the human body, and X-rays are a double-edged sword for human health. According to the standards set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the total radiation risk is 0.0165/Sievert, while a chest X-ray takes less than half a second and the exposure rate is about 0.045 millisievert/second (1 sievert = 1000 millisievert), which poses a very limited health risk to the public. However, the gonads, eye lenses, breasts and thyroid glands in the human body are particularly sensitive to radiation, and too frequent examinations are not beneficial.

Note: ① Special groups, including infants, young children, and pregnant women (especially within the first three months of pregnancy), should undergo X-ray examinations with caution and take necessary protective measures. ②Except the inspector, other personnel should not stay in the inspection room for a long time. ③ Do not put coins or mobile phones in the chest pocket of the examiner; remove necklaces, mascots and other accessories from the neck; female patients should take off bras with metal supports and dresses with snap buttons. ④ Bring the most recent imaging data with you to the follow-up visit so that the doctor can diagnose and treat you based on your condition.

3. What are the dangers of taking a chest X-ray?

The main harm of taking a chest X-ray is the impact of X-ray radiation. This harm is mainly related to the dose. That is to say, if you take too many chest X-rays, you will be exposed to more radiation and it will harm your health. Children are more sensitive to radiation. However, the dose of a chest X-ray is very small and will not affect the health or the development of the child, so you can rest assured.