In the article, we will consider at what age a child can do fluorography. This diagnostic method shows changes in the density of organs located in the chest, which may indicate the presence of any pathologies.
In order to avoid the spread of one of the most dangerous infectious pathologies of the respiratory system, each person is shown to undergo a preventive examination annually. For this, a wide variety of techniques are used, including fluorography.
What is it?
It is a screening method. Unfortunately, not all parents know at what age a photographic study can be conducted for children, so as not to harm the development and well-being of the child. Fluorography is necessary in order to detect pathological changes in the lungs in the very early stages when external symptoms are absent. This approach is crucial for successful therapy and complete recovery.
How many children do fluorography is interesting to many parents.
The fluorographic examination procedure is absolutely painless, provides a high percentage of tuberculosis detection, but is not completely safe. Fluorography has some contraindications, one of which is childhood. An understanding of the nature of the study, its effects on the body, the likely consequences of exposure and refusal to conduct it will allow you to choose the correct diagnostic method for suspected tuberculosis.
From what age a child can do fluorography, we will tell below.
Description of the fluorographic study
Fluorography is a method of examining the respiratory organs, which is performed using x-rays and specialized equipment that captures their shadows as they pass through the chest and organs located in it. Using fluorography, it is possible to determine with a high degree of accuracy the state of the respiratory organs, the absence or presence of pathological changes in the lung tissue, darkening, and neoplasms.
Fluorography is an informative study and refers to highly targeted diagnostic techniques: unlike ultrasound and x-ray studies, it is used exclusively for examining organs located in the chest.
Previously, a fluorographic study could be performed on a film apparatus. Currently, it is performed on digital devices, which can reduce the dose of radiation received and reduce the likely harm to health.
How old is the baby to do fluorography?
All adults and adolescents over 15 years old must pass it every year. In some cases, it is carried out more often, without taking into account the age of the patient being examined.
The need for fluorography for children
Experts recommend fluorographic screening from the age of 14, when the Mantoux test is impractical. The study was shown in cases of a sharp increase in the likelihood of infection with tuberculosis microorganisms during epidemics or after being in the foci of infection, contacts with people suffering from active tuberculosis. Also, fluorography can be prescribed to confirm the alleged diagnosis, when the child has complaints typical of tuberculosis, or other examinations have revealed signs of pathology. Also, the study is necessary to find out the cause of pathologies of the respiratory organs in children when symptoms of tuberculosis are present, but the Mantoux test gives a negative result and the probability of contact with a person infected with open TB is excluded.
At what age a child can do fluorography, it is now known.
At the age of 14, a specialist can refer a child to an ultrasound or X-ray examination - such research methods are recognized as safer. At an earlier age, even small doses of radiation can provoke serious pathologies and developmental disorders. That is, a child’s fluorography is usually not performed per year.
Epidemiological situation and region
An important role is played by the epidemiological situation and the region where the study is conducted. For example, until recently, in Russia and on the territory of Ukraine, fluorography was allowed for adolescents from the age of 14. But in accordance with the new legislation, in Russia this age has been increased to 15 years, while in Ukraine it has remained the same. This is due to the fact that in Ukraine an epidemic of tuberculosis is recorded, and in Russia there is a decrease in the incidence of this pathology.
Thus, fluorography can be prescribed to the infant, but only in case of exceptional and urgent need.
Indication for
Fluorography can be performed on young children in the case when the likelihood of harm from the procedure is much less than the probability of not diagnosing tuberculosis:
- With severe symptoms of tuberculosis.
- If there are people in the environment of the child who suffer from active tuberculosis.
- If confirmation of the diagnosis is required after receiving a positive Mantoux test result.
These are the main indications for children's fluorography.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is the age of up to 15 years, as well as a general weakening of the state of the body. A child tolerates even small doses of radiation much worse than adults. In this case, first of all, blood-forming organs and cellular immunity suffer. Even a single and short-term exposure of the child's body can cause disruption of their work.
It is worth noting that fluorography is the less informative, the smaller the age of the child. The study allows you to get an image of a reduced size, on which it is difficult to consider the changes, as well as their nature. In this regard, in many cases, children are prescribed an ultrasound or X-ray examination, which allows you to get a full-size image.
Diseases that can be detected by fluorography
Fluorography is prescribed for children mainly in order to detect tuberculosis infection in the lungs. However, in addition to this, the study allows you to detect the following pathologies:
- Lesions of the respiratory organs that are not associated with tuberculosis infection - neoplasms, injuries.
- Disorders of the heart, blood vessels.
- Changes in the structure of the bones of the chest.
Despite the fact that fluorography is one of the mandatory methods for examining a patient, if there is a suspicion of infection with a tuberculosis infection, its results are not the main diagnostic criterion. To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to undergo additional examinations and pass certain tests, for example, bronchoscopy, PCR diagnostics, Diaskintest.
All adults in Russia must undergo fluorography for the early detection of tuberculosis; for children under 15 years of age, it can be performed exclusively in emergency cases when other methods are not informative or cannot be applied.
In accordance with the law, parents have the right to refuse such an examination of the child, however, they must be aware of the likely risks and consequences of the decision. In addition, in this case, alternative examination methods must be selected.
Where to do fluorography for children?
Fluorographic examination can be done in almost every state clinic. Also, some private medical centers and clinics provide this service. For example, fluorography in Moscow can be done at the Family Doctor center at 3rd Monetchikovsky, d. 16, p. 1. Also, the procedure is carried out in the medical center "Dobromed", metro Ramenki, Michurinsky prospekt, 31, building 1.
More accurate information can be obtained from your physician, who will give directions to this procedure. In most cases, undergoing fluorography in Moscow is absolutely free.