The X-ray is an exam indicated to evaluate possible changes such as osteoporosis or fractures, but it can also be done to check for problems with the teeth and changes in the lung, such as pneumonia, for example.
There are several types of X-rays, such as dental, chest, spine and lung X-rays, which allow the evaluation of different parts of the body, such as the spine, chest, knees, feet or hands, depending on the medical indication.
The X-ray can be done by a radiologist at the SUS or in private clinics, and the results must be analyzed by the doctor, who may also recommend carrying out other tests to evaluate the affected region, such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, for example.
What is it for
The X-ray is an exam indicated to assess whether there are any changes in the body, such as:
- Bone fractures;
- Arthritis;
- Teeth problems;
- Osteoporosis;
- Bone cancer;
- Pneumonia;
- Breast cancer;
X-rays may also be indicated to assess the risk of heart, spine or digestive problems.
Additionally, X-rays can also be used to help surgeons during an angioplasty, a procedure to widen arteries near the heart, by helping guide a catheter along the arteries. Understand better how angioplasty is performed.
Do you have questions about your exam results?
To take an X-ray, it is necessary to place the part of the body to be examined between a portable or fixed machine, which produces the X-rays, and a film plate that detects the X-rays.
When turning on the machine, the X-rays pass through the skin and soft tissues and the air, but are absorbed by hard tissues, such as bones, only the rays that pass through can reach the film plate. When this happens, the rays that managed to pass through cause a reaction in the silver in the film that turns it black.
Thus, when the x-ray is developed, the soft tissues and air appear black, while the harder tissues appear white. When a specialized imaging technician evaluates the film, he or she is able to identify the changes present, allowing the doctor to arrive at a diagnosis.
Main types
The main types of X-ray, depending on the location to be evaluated, are:
- Dental X-ray: is widely used to observe teeth and the structures in the mouth that hold the teeth, and includes periapical X-rays, panoramic X-rays and occlusal X-rays;
- Chest X-ray: is used when you have symptoms such as a feeling of shortness of breath, chest pain or persistent cough, to assess whether there are changes in your ribs, lungs or heart;
- X-ray of the spine: can be done in different parts of the spine, such as lumbar, cervical or thoracic, and evaluate the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, in cases of herniated disc, spinal trauma, spondylosis, parrot’s beak, cancer metastasis, or spinal deviations such as scoliosis, lordosis or kyphosis;
- Skull X-ray: requested to evaluate trauma to the skull bones, such as fractures, or to analyze the nasal sinuses, in the case of sinusitis, for example;
- X-ray of lower limbs: It is indicated to evaluate the bones of the legs, the presence of fractures, knee or femur prostheses;
- X-ray of upper limbs: evaluates the bones of the scapula, arms, forearms, elbows and hands, in cases of fractures, dislocations, tendonitis or synovitis, for example;
- X-ray of the pelvis or hip: it is indicated to evaluate osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, congenital hip dysplasia, bone tumor, ankylosing spondylitis, dislocation or positioning of a hip prosthesis;
- Kidney X-ray: it can be requested when there are symptoms such as abdominal pain, pain when urinating and can help diagnose kidney stones or the presence of tumors, for example.
In some types of X-rays, it may be necessary to use contrast, which is a liquid that allows you to observe some structures of the body in greater detail. The contrast can be injected directly into a vein, swallowed or placed as an enema into the intestine, depending on the part of the body to be evaluated.
How to prepare for X-ray
Generally, there is no special preparation for taking an X-ray, however, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, especially in the place where the X-ray will need to be taken.
People with metal implants or prostheses must inform the technician or doctor, as this type of material can alter the image or cover the areas to be observed.
If you need to take an abdominal or gastrointestinal X-ray, your doctor may recommend fasting, depending on what you want to evaluate.
Possible risks
The radiation released by X-rays is very low and, therefore, this exam is considered safe for most adults. Generally, the amount of radiation that is exposed during an X-ray is the equivalent of a few days or years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.
However, if it is necessary to use some type of contrast, it may increase the risk of situations such as:
- Red spots on the skin;
- Intense itching;
- Nausea;
- Feeling of fainting;
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
These effects are normal, however, if they are very intense or if you have difficulty breathing, they could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. In these cases, it is important to inform the doctor immediately.
Additionally, as babies and children are more sensitive to the effects of x-rays, it is advised to always ask the technician or doctor if the machine’s settings have been adjusted for children.
Can a pregnant woman have an X-ray?
A pregnant woman can have an X-ray, as long as the maximum radiation of 5 rads is respected and the lead apron is well positioned in the belly area.
However, abdominal X-rays in the belly area should be avoided as much as possible. Understand better about the risks of X-rays during pregnancy.
Furthermore, the X-ray should be taken by the pregnant woman only when necessary, where the doctor must always evaluate the benefits of the exam for the woman and the possible risks for the baby.
