X-ray is one of the most common methods of laboratory research, which is used in many areas of medicine. It makes it possible to identify various diseases and pathologies and start treatment in a timely manner. However, during the examination, the human body is exposed to X-rays, which are harmful to it and can cause certain complications. Undoubtedly, modern devices are made using innovative technologies that reduce the level of danger, but despite this, many people are afraid to go to the hospital. To dispel their fears, let's figure out how often you can take an x-ray without harm to he alth. We'll also look at a few ways you can reduce your risk of developing radiation problems.
What is this?
What is radiography? Many of us have heard this term but do not fully understand its meaning. This is one of the modern research methods that allows you to study in detail the internal structure of the body. It was discovered in 1895 by the German scientist Wilhelm Roentgen, after whom it is named.
An x-ray diagnostic apparatus is used for the study. It sends electromagnetic radiation through the human body, projecting an image of the internal organs on a special film. If there are any problems with him, the doctor will be able not only to learn about the disease, but also to obtain detailed information about the nature of its origin and the stage of the course.
Today, radiation diagnostics is used in many areas of medicine:
- traumatology;
- dentistry;
- pneumology;
- gastroenterology;
- oncology.
Besides medicine, radiography is widely used in industry. With its help, manufacturers of various groups of goods can detect even minor defects, which has a positive effect on the quality of finished products.
What information does imaging provide?
Let's take a closer look at this. Many people are interested in what x-rays show. As noted earlier, with its help, doctors can confirm or deny the presence of almost any pathology. The final diagnosis is made after deciphering the image, showing all infiltrated shadows and air cavities, which can be foreign objects, inflammatory or other pathologicalsyndrome. At the same time, the X-ray readings are highly informative. It provides an opportunity not only to identify the disease, but also to assess its severity and form of flow.
Effect of electromagnetic rays on the body
This aspect should be given special attention. Many people wonder if fluorography and x-rays are really dangerous. Both methods have a number of differences, but there is one common detail: during the diagnosis, the human body is exposed to X-ray radiation with short wavelengths. As a result, ionization of atoms and molecules occurs in soft tissues, as a result of which their structure changes.
Exposure to very high doses can lead to the development of many serious complications, namely:
- radiation sickness;
- damage to internal organs;
- skin burns;
- extensive internal bleeding.
As a result of all of the above, a person dies in just a few hours after exposure. As for the small doses that X-rays are associated with, there is also harm. Their regular intake can cause exacerbation of chronic diseases. In addition, there is a high probability of genetic changes that can be inherited.
Safe Radiation Exposure
Many people are wondering what is the radiation dose for x-rays? It is very difficult to answer this question unambiguously, since everything here depends on the type of equipment. But you can be completely surethat she is safe. A lethal dose is 15 Sv, while for modern devices it is several hundred times less, so there is no danger to life. But according to experts, if you undergo radiation diagnostics too often, then certain harm is done to he alth.
The World He alth Organization has devoted a lot of time to studying the harm of x-rays. It has been established that the safe annual dose of radiation is 500 m3v. However, domestic doctors are trying to reduce it to 50 m3v. This is due to the fact that on a daily basis people are exposed to background radiation, which does not pose any threat to he alth, but gradually accumulates in the body.
It is worth noting that doctors calculate the safe dose individually for each patient. This takes into account his clinical picture, lifestyle, environmental conditions and radioactive background in the region of residence. The data obtained are recorded in the medical record and used to control the radiation received by the patient. If the set limit has been exhausted, then X-rays are not scheduled until the end of the period.
What could be the consequences?
Let's take a closer look at this aspect. Fluorography and x-rays are not particularly dangerous if they are done no more than once a year. Frequent exposures can lead not only to the exacerbation of existing diseases, but also to the development of new diseases.
In most cases, the following pathologies appear:
- bronchospasm;
- change in blood chemistry;
- Quincke's edema;
- erythropenia;
- thrombocytopenia;
- cancerous tumors;
- urticaria;
- premature aging;
- cataract;
- immunosuppression, which can develop into immunodeficiency;
- metabolic disorder;
- erectile dysfunction;
- blood cancer.
Besides this, the harm of x-rays extends to future generations. Children can be born with various physical and mental disabilities. As statistics show, over the past 100 years since the beginning of the use of radiation diagnostics, the gene pool of the population around the world has deteriorated significantly. Life expectancy has declined, and cancers are being diagnosed at an even younger age than before.
Contraindications
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with this aspect in the very first place. When deciding to visit an x-ray room, it must be taken into account that radiation diagnostics may not always be carried out. It should be avoided if you have the following he alth problems:
- extremely serious condition;
- diabetes mellitus type 2;
- active tuberculosis;
- open pneumothorax;
- renal and liver failure or dysfunction of these organs;
- iodine intolerance;
- internal bleeding;
- any thyroid disease.
In addition, testing is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the early stages.
Irradiation doseswith different types of x-rays
So what do you need to know about this? On modern equipment, the level of exposure is minimal. It can be equal to background radiation or slightly exceed it. This allows you to take x-rays more often, without causing severe harm to human he alth. Even if the picture is of poor quality and the examination will have to be carried out several times, the total exposure will not exceed 50 percent of the annual norm. The exact figures depend on the type of appliance used.
Radiation exposure can be as follows:
- analog fluorography - no more than 0.2 m3v;
- digital fluorography - no more than 0.06 m3v;
- x-ray of the neck and cervical region - no more than 0.1 m3v;
- examination of the head - no more than 0.4 m3v;
- image of the abdominal region - no more than 0.4 m3v;
- detailed radiography - no more than 0.03 m3v;
- dental x-ray - no more than 0.1 m3v.
The highest dose of x-rays a person receives when examining internal organs. And this is despite a small radiation exposure. The thing is that the procedure takes a long time, so in one session an adult receives about 3.5 m3 of radiation.
How many times a year can I have X-rays?
Radiation diagnostics is prescribed if conventional examination methods do not make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis. It is difficult to say how often it can be passed, because here it all depends on how many percent the annuallimit. It is undesirable to take x-rays too often, especially if large areas of the body are being irradiated. The index of susceptibility, which is individual for each person, also plays an important role. Radiation causes the greatest harm to internal organs and endocrine glands. As a rule, doctors do not give their patients x-rays more than once a year. But in some cases, re-diagnosis can be carried out 6 months after the previous one. In the presence of serious pathologies requiring constant monitoring, the interval can be reduced to 45 days. During this time, soft tissues and internal organs have time to recover slightly from exposure to radiation.
When can a second x-ray be done?
It is not always possible to follow all safety rules. In medical practice, there are a number of cases in which it becomes necessary to conduct x-rays after a short period of time, namely:
- if the specialist cannot make out what the x-ray shows due to the poor quality of the image;
- to confirm the diagnosis after X-ray;
- to assess the patient's condition and the development of pathology;
- for detailed information on the course of therapy.
Only the attending physician can make a decision on re-examination. This takes into account the total level of radiation exposure and the area that will be exposed to radiation. The only exceptions are people with cancer. They can be x-rayed up to four times a month.
How is the examination going?
There is nothing difficult in radiography. It doesn't require any preparation. In order to reduce the negative effects of radiation, the patient is given special protective collars, into which lead plates are sewn. Only the examined area of the body is left open. Comprehensive diagnostics last no more than 15 minutes.
It follows the following pattern:
- The patient enters the office, takes off all metal objects and exposes the desired area of the body.
- Then he sits on a chair or takes a recumbent position in a special booth.
- Direct X-ray diagnostics in progress.
- The x-ray film is developed and the transcript of the image is written.
- The doctor makes a final diagnosis based on the results.
Here, in fact, the whole procedure. As a rule, everything works out the first time, but if the image quality is poor, then the patient is sent for a second examination.
Precautions
To reduce the risk of possible complications, do not undergo X-rays more often than the doctor's orders. In addition, it is advisable to be examined in medical institutions equipped with modern and safer equipment.
Doctors in order to minimize the harm from exposure to radiation are trying to reduce the area of exposure. For this, patients are given special hats, gloves and aprons. In order for the x-ray to be successful and not have to be redone, it is necessary to strictly follow allinstructions from experts. You need to fix the body in the desired position, as well as hold your breath for a certain time.
How to get rid of radiation?
To minimize x-ray damage and help your body recover faster, you need to make some adjustments to your daily diet.
The following products contribute to the removal of radiation:
- milk;
- prune;
- rice;
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- red wine;
- pomegranate juice;
- prune;
- seaweed;
- fish;
- any food containing iodine.
Thus, by eating right, you can quickly cleanse your body of harmful radiation.
Conclusion
The x-ray itself is not as scary as many people think. If you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, nothing terrible will happen to your he alth. On the contrary, it can save a life, since it can be used to identify serious pathologies at the earliest stages of development. Therefore, if you have been assigned an x-ray, then you should not be afraid. Feel free to go to the clinic and get tested.
