Why do chest x ray

It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs. Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray to see how well your heart or lungs are working. You may need a chest X-ray if it is suspected that you have any of the following:. These other devices include central venous catheters, endotracheal tubes, chest tubes, and nasogastric tubes.

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the test. Also ask about the risks as they apply to you. Consider writing down all X-rays you get, including past scans and X-rays for other health reasons. Show this list to your healthcare provider. The risks of radiation exposure may be tied to the number of X-rays you have and the X-ray treatments you have over time. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition.

Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you.

Ask any questions you have about the procedure. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure.

This test can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and lung tissue scarring, called fibrosis. Doctors may use chest X-rays to see how well certain treatments are working and to check for complications after certain procedures or surgeries.

Before having a chest X-ray, you will undress from the waist up, wear a gown, and remove jewelry and objects that could interfere with the test.

You will stand, sit, or lie still for the test. A lead apron may be worn to protect your reproductive organs from the X-ray. The technician will operate the X-ray machine from behind a wall or in the next room.

Usually, the technician takes two views, one from straight on and one from the side of your chest, but more views may be taken. This website does not provide cost information. The costs for specific medical imaging tests, treatments and procedures may vary by geographic region. Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the Radiological Society of North America RSNA and the American College of Radiology ACR , comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.

Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo. Toggle navigation. What is a Chest X-ray Chest Radiography? What are some common uses of the procedure? How should I prepare? What does the equipment look like? How does the procedure work? How is the procedure performed?

What will I experience during and after the procedure? Who interprets the results and how do I get them? What are the benefits vs. What are the limitations of Chest Radiography? Which test, procedure or treatment is best for me? The chest x-ray is performed to evaluate the lungs, heart and chest wall. A chest x-ray is typically the first imaging test used to help diagnose symptoms such as: breathing difficulties a bad or persistent cough chest pain or injury fever Physicians use the examination to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions 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.

A chest x-ray requires no special preparation. Patients who cannot stand may be positioned lying down on a table for chest x-rays. A chest x-ray examination itself is a painless procedure. The results of a chest x-ray can be available almost immediately for review by your physician.

Benefits 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. This makes it convenient for both patients and doctors. Because x-ray imaging is fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment. Risks There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, given the small amount of radiation used in medical imaging, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the associated risk.

The radiation dose for this procedure varies. Women should always tell their doctor and x-ray technologist if they are pregnant. A Word About Minimizing Radiation Exposure Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. Routine Chest Radiography. Send us your feedback Did you find the information you were looking for?

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