Chest x-ray
.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray is a common imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the organs and structures in your chest, including your heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray may be used to detect abnormalities in the lungs including tumors, fluid buildup, infection, airway collapse, inflammation, and chronic disease, such as emphysema or heart failure.
Preparation for a Chest X-Ray
Before a chest X-ray, you may be asked to remove any jewelry or clothing that contains metal. You may also be asked to wear a hospital gown. If there's a chance that x-ray images of your lower chest would interfere with the images of your heart and lungs, you may need to drink a material called a contrast material or a solution that will show up on the X-ray.
Procedure for a Chest X-Ray
When you have a chest X-ray, two images of your chest will be taken from either side. You may be asked to stand for the first picture and to breath in deeply and hold your breath for the second. This will help your lungs fill with air, and the doctor can see more clearly what is going on inside. During the X-ray, you will be asked to remain still. The images will be taken very quickly, in a few seconds or less.
Types of Chest X-Ray
There are two main types of chest X-rays: a plain chest X-ray and a special chest X-ray. A plain chest X-ray looks at the heart, lungs, airways, and other structures in the chest. A special chest X-ray is used if your doctor needs to look at a specific area of the chest, such as the heart or lungs. This type of X-ray is usually called a special procedure chest X-ray. It may include a series of images taken at different angles and with different exposures.
Risks of a Chest X-Ray
Chest X-rays are generally safe, but there is a small risk of radiation exposure. You may be exposed to 0.1 mSv (millisieverts) of radiation during a chest X-ray. This amount of radiation is a fraction of the amount of radiation you would be exposed to during a computed tomography (CT) scan. If you are pregnant, it is important to discuss the risks of radiation exposure with your doctor before having a chest X-ray.
Why Have a Chest X-Ray?
A chest X-ray can help diagnose or rule out a variety of conditions. These conditions include pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, emphysema, and tuberculosis. Your doctor may also use a chest X-ray to monitor any treatments you are receiving for a condition, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. A chest X-ray can also be used to measure the size of certain structures in the chest, such as the aorta or heart.
When To Have a Chest X-Ray
Your doctor may order a chest X-ray if you have symptoms of a chest infection, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood. It may also be ordered if you have a past history of chest infections, or have been exposed to certain diseases, such as tuberculosis or measles. Chest X-rays can also be used to help diagnose lung diseases, such as cancer, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Your doctor may order this type of X-ray if you have a history of smoking.
