What do you know about an x-ray? This is a usual imaging test utilized for years already. This helps a doctor in viewing the body’s interior with not making an incision. This helps them, monitor, diagnose, and treat lots of medical health issues. Various x-ray types are useful for various purposes. For once, a doctor would order a mammogram for breast examination. They may likewise, order an x-ray alongside a barium enema. This will closely look at the gastrointestinal tract. Nonetheless, you must bear in mind that risks can come with an x-ray. But for a lot of people, an x-ray comes with more potential benefits than risks. Consult a doctor so you will know more about what is suitable for you.
Reasons for Performing X-ray
An x-ray may be ordered by a doctor in examining the area with discomfort or pain. It will also help in monitoring the progression of a disease diagnosed with osteoporosis. It also helps check if the prescribed treatment works well. An x-ray may also help with certain conditions like breast tumors, bone cancer, enlarged heart, blood vessels blocked, conditions that affect the lungs, infections, fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, tooth decay, and retrieval of swallowed items.
Preparation for an X-ray
An x-ray is indeed a standard procedure. You will have to follow special steps to better prepare for it. It will depend on the area the radiologist and doctor are examining. You could wear comfortable and loose clothing to move around easily. You will be required to change yourself into a hospital gown. You have to remove as well the metallic items or jewelry from the body. This is true before the x-ray will be taken.
Tell the radiologist or doctor if metal implants are coming from previous surgeries. The implants will block the x-rays as they pass through the body. And, it will create a clear image. You may likewise, have to consider contrast dye or contrast material before undergoing an x-ray. This substance helps enhance the image quality. This also contains barium or iodine compounds. It will likewise, rely on the reasons behind undergoing an x-ray. Contrast dye may also be administered in many ways possible like body injection, swallowing the liquid, and enema being given before the test.
If you will undergo an x-ray for gastrointestinal tract examination, the doctor will also ask you fast for a specific time. There’s a need to avoid eating anything while fasting. Plus, you have to limit or avoid drinking specific liquids. You will be required to take medications, thus, clearing out your bowels.
Performing the Procedure
A radiologist or x-ray technologist will carry out an x-ray in the radiology department in a hospital, a clinic, and a dentist’s office. This is where diagnostic procedures are specialized in or performed. When you are already fully prepared, the radiologist or x-ray technician will tell you the way to position your body. This will then create clearer images. You will be asked to sit, stand, or lie in many positions in the test. Images will also be taken while you are standing in front of the specialized plate. This plate contains x-ray sensors or films. You may also be required to sit or lie on a specialized plate. Then, a large camera will be moved as linked to the steel arm over the body. This will then capture the x-ray images. It is essential to stay still while capturing the images. This will offer the best and clearest images possible. This test is completed after the radiologist is fulfilled with the images as obtained.
Side Effects of an X-ray
Since this procedure utilizes a little amount of radiation, it’s still regarded to be safe for most adults. This is not good for a developing baby. If you think you are pregnant or you are already pregnant, you have to tell it upfront with the doctor before going through it. This way, MRI will be suggested as another imaging method.
In undergoing an x-ray for the diagnosis or management of a painful condition like a broken bone, experiencing discomfort or pain in the test is possible. Your body will be held in some specific positions as the images are taken. This causes discomfort or pain. Pain medicines will then need to be taken as recommended by doctors. Side effects may also occur if you have ingested contrast material. The common side effects include nausea, hives, lightheadedness, itching, and a metallic taste in the mouth. In some rarer cases, the dye may bring in a severe reaction. This can include low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, and cardiac arrest. If you think you are having such reactions, call the doctor right away.
Things That Happen After the X-Ray
After collecting the x-ray images, you will need to change into your regular clothes. It will rely much on your condition. The doctor may recommend you go through your usual activities. You may need to rest while waiting for the results. The results will then be available on a similar day or even later.
The x-ray will then be reviewed by the doctor and will be reported by the radiologist. This will help in proceeding with the result. It will rely much on the results that additional tests may be so ordered. This will help in developing accuracy in diagnosis. They may also require further imaging scans, diagnostic measures, and blood tests. They may even suggest a treatment course.
Image Quality of an X-ray
A stationary x-ray system would usually have its penetration power. Some would not like the x-ray system but this is not an issue if an x-ray will be performed on extremities. But then if you will have an x-ray on your abdomen or chest, the quality of the image from the portable system would be inferior as compared to the stationary system. Remember that there will always be a perfect place and time for everything. It is up to you if you will go to a clinic with a stationary x-ray system or the other one. You will surely benefit from an x-ray as the best solution for the suspected illness or condition.
So, keep these valuable facts in mind when it comes to x-rays!
