X-rays, These Are What You Need to Know

X-rays are examination procedures using electromagnetic wave radiation to display a picture of the inside of the body. Images of solid objects such as bones or iron are displayed as white areas, while the air contained in the lungs will appear black, and images of fat or muscles are displayed in gray. In some types of X-rays, additional dyes (contrast) taken by mouth or injected, such as iodine or barium, to produce a more detailed picture. The X-ray procedure is performed in a hospital by a trained doctor or radiologist. Although radiation has a risk of triggering the growth of cancer cells, radiation exposure from X-rays is fairly small and is considered safe, especially when compared to the benefits gained.

X-ray Photo Indications

X-rays are taken to see the condition of most parts of the body, including problems with internal organs. Examples of conditions that can be displayed through X-rays include conditions in bones and joints (such as fractures and osteoporosis), infections, digestive disorders, swelling of the heart, and breast tumors. In addition to problems that occur in the body, X-rays can also be done to observe the progress of the disease, find out the progress of the treatment being carried out, as well as being a guideline for carrying out certain procedures, such as ring installation on the heart.

X-ray Photo Warning

Although the risk is very small for pregnancy, X-rays are usually not recommended for pregnant women except for emergency measures or when the benefits are far greater than the risks. Some X-ray photo examinations require coloring agents (contrast) to be able to produce images with better quality. This dye containing iodine or barium can be given in the form of a liquid that is drunk or injected. Inform your doctor if you have experienced an allergic reaction with contrast, such as nausea, itching, dizziness, or even shock.

Before X-rays

Usually there is no special preparation for X-rays. However, if using contrast, sometimes the patient is asked to fast or stop stopping the consumption of drugs. Ask your doctor about the need for fasting or stopping medications that are routinely consumed. In addition, patients are advised to remove metal jewelry or accessories that can block the image being displayed. Patients will be asked to change clothes or pants with clothes that have been provided from the hospital. For examination of the digestive tract, patients can also be asked to take laxatives so that the intestine is clean of impurities.

X-ray Procedures

During X-rays, patients can be asked to lie down or stand and do certain positions according to the part of the body that they want to be photographed. For example for chest X-rays, patients are usually asked to stand up. Photo film in the form of a plate which will later be processed into photographic images, also placed in accordance with the body parts that want to be photographed. Furthermore, the X-ray photo instrument, which resembles a tube and is equipped with light, will be directed at the part of the body to be examined. The device will produce X-rays to take pictures in special photo films. When taking an X-ray, the patient is asked not to move and hold his breath so that the image does not blur. Therefore, for pediatric patients, sometimes a buffer is needed to hold the position so the child does not move. Taking X-rays this photo can be done from several angles drawing the image to make it clearer. During X-rays, the patient will not feel anything. However, for patients with broken bones, can feel pain or discomfort when having to move body positions. The X-ray only lasts a few minutes. However, for certain X-rays, such as using contrast, it can take up to 1 hour.

After the X-ray Photo

After the implementation of X-rays, the patient can go home and resume normal activities. When using contrast agents, patients are encouraged to drink lots of water to help remove the contrast substances from the body. X-rays will be studied by a radiologist. The results of these photos can also be given to patients after printing. The speed of results varies, but when in an emergency, results will be available in minutes.

Side Effects of X-rays

X-rays in general do not cause side effects. Side effects may occur if an X-ray is taken by giving a contrast agent first, especially with the material injected into the body. Possible effects are pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site.