A chest x ray is also referred to as a chest radiograph. It is one of the most common x ray diagnostic procedures performed. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is a very non-invasive method of diagnosing illnesses. A chest x ray will take images of the heart, lungs, chest, ribs, spine and blood vessels found in this area.
These types of x rays are also popular because they have very limited risk. The amount of radiation used is very little and is unlikely to cause any tissue damage.
After the procedure, there are no remnants of radiation left in the patient’s body. There are typically no adverse side effects experienced after the imaging procedure. During the procedure, other parts of the body which are not to be x rayed are protected from radiation using a lead apron. Even though the radiation is a very small amount, x rays are generally not performed on pregnant women as unborn babies should not be exposed to radiation.
Some of the illnesses or medical conditions diagnosed using chest radiography include pneumonia (the x ray will reveal if there is any fluid in the lungs), collapsed lung, heart disease or impending heart failure (the chest x ray shows if the heart is enlarged or if blood vessels are clogged), lung cancer, any scarring in lung tissue, tuberculosis, or emphysema.
A doctor will recommend a chest x ray
if a patient comes in to see him complaining of shortness of breath, chest pains, a cough that is persistent and lasts a long time and fever. Chest x rays are very useful as the chest takes very good x ray pictures. This is due to the fact that the area is quite bony with the ribs and the spine. Bones absorb radiation very well and the resulting picture is clear and the different structures are well defined. To learn more about radiology, check out this blog: http://www.radiologistsalaryz.com
The x ray machine used to take images of the chest can either be a fixed or portable machine. The traditional x ray machines that used to use films are now being replaced by digital machines. The x ray technician will normally take the x ray from three views, from the front, the back and from the side. The side chest x ray is referred to as a lateral view, posteroanterior view is the term used when the x ray beams enter from the back and exit through the front while anteroposterior is used when the rays enter from the front and exit through the back.