Friday, December 24, 2021

General X-Ray: Procedure, Purpose, And Risks- Here Are Things To Know

General X-Ray is the common imaging test which is used for decades. With the help of this technique, a doctor can see inside a person's body without having an incision. The doctors conduct this to see the bones' conditions and treat various diseases.

You should know that there are different types of X-Rays for using in different purposes. However, there is a risk involved in conducting a general X-Ray. Here are the complete details about the X-Ray procedure, purpose, and risks.  

Why Perform A General X-Ray?

There are various reasons for conducting X-Ray. Your doctor may recommend an X-Ray procedure in the following case:

  1. To examine the area in which you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
  2. To examine the working and effectiveness of the prescribed treatment. 
  3. For monitoring the diagnosis of various diseases such as osteoporosis. 

Why Are X-Ray Tests Done?

If you wonder what X-Ray Tests are done for and wish to know further.

  1. Abdominal pain
  2. Cancer
  3. Dislocated joints
  4. Broken bones
  5. Breast tumors
  6. Tooth decay
  7. Infections
  8. Blocked blood vessels
  9. Enlarged hearts
  10. Arthritis
General X-Ray
General X-Ray

How To Prepare Yourself For The X-Ray?

For the X-Ray procedure, usually, a patient doesn't need to take prior steps. However, for the X-Ray procedure, a patient needs to wear loose clothes or may have to change in the hospital gown. Therefore, it is better to remove all the jewelry before the X-Ray procedure. Talk to your specialist in case you have metal implants. 

Apart from this, a patient may need to swallow contrast dye before the X-Ray. Contrast dye is a material that helps in obtaining clear images. This dye can be swallowed with the help of a liquid. However, this is given as per the case of the patient. 

Performing General X-Ray- What Are The Steps?

The X-Ray is usually performed at the hospitals and at the different departments, which are meant for X-Rays only. The other places where X-Ray can be conducted are clinics specialized for X-Ray procedures and Dentist clinics.

Now, if you are wondering about the process of X-Ray, read on to know further.

  1. The radiologist or the healthcare specialist will ask you to lie, sit or stand in a position to take a better X-Ray image. 
  2. The radiologist specialist will then take clear images of the person standing in front of the specialized plate. 
  3. However, there are chances that the specialist may ask the patient to sit or lie on the specialized plate to get clear images. 

In the whole process, the patient needs to stay still so that the images will be clear. The test will get over once the radiologist gets the clear images. 

Are There Any Risks Involved In Performing General X-Ray?

X-Ray is a type of radiology method which involves radiations that are passed through the body. Only a small amount of radiation is passed through the body. However, this procedure is considered safe for adults but, it is not safe for developing babies. Therefore, pregnant ladies need to disclose the pregnancy fact. With this, a doctor will recommend different imaging techniques, MRIs. 

Some Of The Risks Or Side Effects Of X-Ray Includes:

  1. Itching
  2. Nausea
  3. Hives
  4. Metallic taste in the mouth
  5. Lightheadedness

Even the consumption of contrast dye can cause severe reactions. Therefore, contact the doctor in case of any side-effect. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there is no practical evidence found of negative effects in a General X-Ray. However, it is less risky but can cause severe reactions for some. Therefore, always contact your doctor in case of any severe issues.