Chest Xray

What exactly is a chest x-ray (chest radiography)?

The most frequent diagnostic x-ray examination is a chest x-ray. A chest x-ray gives images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels, and spine and chest bones.

An x-ray exam helps doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders. It exposes you to a small dose of ionizing radiation in order to obtain images of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most often used form of medical imaging.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

The chest x-ray is performed to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall.

Typically, a chest x-ray is the initial imaging test done to assist detect symptoms such as:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • A bad or persistent cough
  • Chest pain or injury
  • Fever

The examination is used by physicians to help diagnose or monitor therapy for illnesses such as:

  • Pneumonia
  • Heart failure and other heart problems
  • Emphysema
  • Lung cancer
  • Positioning of medical devices
  • Fluid or air collection around the lungs
  • Other medical conditions

How does the procedure work?

X-rays, like light and radio waves, are a type of radiation.The equipment emits a brief blast of radiation that travels through your body. The radiation creates a picture, which is then recorded on photographic film or a specific detector.

The x-rays are absorbed to differing degrees by different areas of the body. Dense bone absorbs most of the radiation, while soft tissue (muscle, fat, and organs) allows more x-rays to flow through. As a result, bones look white on x-rays, soft tissue appears grey, and air appears black.

The ribs and spine absorb a lot of radiation and look white or light grey on a chest x-ray. Because lung tissue absorbs less radiation, it appears dark on the image.

The majority of x-ray images are digital files that are electronically stored. Your doctor will have easy access to these saved images in order to diagnose and manage your condition.

What are the advantages?

  • No radiation stays in your body after an x-ray exam.
  • X-rays usually have no side effects in the typical diagnostic range for this exam.
  • X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and widely available in emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes, and other locations. This makes it convenient for both patients and doctors.
  • Because x-ray imaging is fast and easy, it is very beneficial for emergency diagnosis and treatment.