Radiography 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-ray radiation, which is harmful to him and can cause the development of certain complications. Undoubtedly, modern devices are manufactured 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 do an x-ray without harm to health. We will also consider several ways in which you can reduce the risk of developing problems due to exposure.
What it is?
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, in whose honor it is named.
For the study, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus is used. It sends electromagnetic radiation through the human body, projecting on a special film an image of internal organs. If there are any problems with him, then the doctor will be able to not only learn about the disease, but also get detailed information about the nature of its origin and stage of the course.
Today, radiation diagnostics is used in many areas of medicine:
- traumatology;
- Dentistry
- pneumology;
- gastroenterology;
- oncology.
In addition to medicine, radiography is widely used in industry. With its help, manufacturers of various groups of goods can detect even minor defects, which positively affects the quality of the finished product.
What information does radiation diagnosis provide?
Let's dwell on this in more detail. Many people are interested in what X-ray shows. As noted earlier, with its help, doctors can confirm or deny the presence of almost any pathology. The final diagnosis is made after decoding the picture showing all the infiltrated shadows and air cavities, which may be foreign objects, inflammatory or other pathological syndrome. At the same time, X-ray readings are highly informative. It provides an opportunity not only to identify the disease, but also to assess its severity and course.
The 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 of this, ionization of atoms and molecules occurs in soft tissues, as a result of which their structure changes.
Exposure to very large doses can lead to the development of many serious complications, namely:
- radiation sickness;
- damage to internal organs;
- the formation of burns on the skin;
- 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 with which the x-ray is associated, there is also harm. Their regular receipt 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 unequivocally answer this question, since everything here depends on the type of equipment. But you can be completely sure that it is safe. A dose of 15 Sv is considered fatal, and with modern devices it is several hundred times less, so there is no danger to life. But according to experts, if too often to undergo radiation diagnostics, then certain harm to health is done.
The World Health Organization has devoted a lot of time to studying the dangers of x-rays. It was found that a 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 every day people are exposed to background radiation, which poses no threat to health, but gradually accumulates in the body.
It is worth noting that doctors calculate a safe dose individually for each patient. At the same time, his clinical picture, lifestyle, environmental conditions and radioactive background in the region of residence are taken into account. The data obtained are recorded in a medical record and are used to monitor radiation received by the patient. If the established limit has been exhausted, then before the end of the period, radiography is not prescribed.
What could be the consequences?
Let's dwell on this aspect in more detail. X-ray and x-ray are not particularly dangerous if they are done no more than once a year. Frequent exposures can lead not only to exacerbation of existing ones, but also to the development of new diseases.
In most cases, the following pathologies appear:
- bronchospasm;
- change in the chemical composition of blood;
- Quincke's edema;
- erythropenia;
- thrombocytopenia;
- cancerous tumors;
- urticaria;
- premature aging;
- cataract;
- immunosuppression, which can develop into immunodeficiency;
- metabolic disorder;
- erectile disfunction;
- blood cancer.
In addition, the harm of x-rays extends to future generations. Children can be born with various physical and mental disabilities. According to statistics, 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 decreased, and oncological diseases began to be diagnosed at an even younger age than before.
Contraindications
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with this aspect in the first place. Deciding to visit an X-ray room, it must be borne in mind that radiation diagnostics can not always be carried out. You should refrain from it in the presence of the following health problems:
- extremely serious condition;
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- active tuberculosis;
- open pneumothorax;
- renal and liver failure or dysfunction of these organs;
- intolerance to iodine;
- internal bleeding;
- any thyroid disease.
In addition, examination is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the early stages.
Doses for various 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 do x-rays more often, without causing severe harm to human health. Even if the image is of poor quality and the examination has to be carried out several times, the total exposure will not exceed 50 percent of the annual norm. The exact numbers depend on the type of instrument used.
The radiation load may be as follows:
- analog fluorography - not more than 0.2 m3v;
- digital fluorography - not more than 0.06 m3v;
- X-ray of the neck and cervical spine - not more than 0.1 m3v;
- head examination - not more than 0.4 m3v;
- a picture of the abdominal region - not more than 0.4 m3v;
- detailed radiography - not more than 0.03 m3v;
- dental x-ray - not more than 0.1 m3v.
A person receives the largest dose of x-rays when examining internal organs. And this is despite a small radiation load. 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 an X-ray?
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 completed, since it all depends on how many percent the annual limit has been reached. Too often an x-ray is undesirable, especially if irradiation of large areas of the body is performed. Also a large role is played by the susceptibility index, which is individual for each person. Radiation is most harmful to internal organs and endocrine glands. As a rule, doctors do not prescribe x-rays to their patients 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.
In what cases can a repeated x-ray be performed?
It is not always possible to adhere to all safety rules. In medical practice, there are a number of cases in which there is a need for radiography after a short period of time, namely:
- if the specialist fails to make out what the X-ray shows, due to the poor quality of the image;
- to confirm the diagnosis after radiography;
- to assess the condition of the patient and the development of pathology;
- for detailed information on the course of therapy.
Only the attending physician can decide on a 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 have x-rays up to four times a month.
How is the examination done?
There is nothing complicated in radiography. Before it does not need to undergo any training. In order to reduce the negative impact of radiation, the patient is given special protective collars in which lead plates are sewn. Only the studied area of the body is left open. Comprehensive diagnostics last no more than 15 minutes.
It follows the following scheme:
- 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 lying position in a special booth.
- Direct radiation diagnosis is carried out.
- An x-ray film appears and the decryption of the image is written.
- The doctor makes a final diagnosis based on the results.
That, in fact, is the whole procedure. As a rule, everything is obtained the first time, but if the image quality is low, then the patient is sent for re-examination.
Precautionary measures
To reduce the risk of possible complications, you should not undergo an x-ray more often than a doctor’s prescription. In addition, it is advisable to undergo examination in medical institutions equipped with modern and safer equipment.
Doctors are trying to reduce the radiation area in order to minimize the harm caused by radiation exposure. For this, patients are given special hats, mittens and aprons. In order for the x-ray to be successful and not have to redo it, it is necessary to strictly comply with all the instructions of specialists. It is necessary to fix the body in the right position, as well as hold your breath for a certain time.
How to cleanse yourself from radiation?
To minimize the harm of x-rays and help the body recover faster, you need to make some adjustments to your daily diet.
The following products contribute to the removal of radiation:
- milk;
- prunes
- rice
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- Red wine;
- pomegranate juice;
- prunes
- sea kale;
- fish;
- any products in which iodine is present.
Thus, eating properly, you can quickly cleanse your body of harmful radiation.
Conclusion
X-ray itself is not as scary as many people think of it. If all the doctor's recommendations are followed, nothing bad will happen to health. On the contrary, it can save a life, since with its help it is possible to identify serious pathologies at the very early stages of development. Therefore, if you have been assigned to radiography, then do not be afraid. Feel free to go to the clinic and undergo an examination.