home Auditorium 8 What are the results of a chest x-ray? How to take a chest x-ray: digital and analogue radiography. What does X-ray diagnostics of OGK show?

What are the results of a chest x-ray? How to take a chest x-ray: digital and analogue radiography. What does X-ray diagnostics of OGK show?

Among all x-ray examinations, chest x-ray is the most commonly used. This procedure is used to take pictures of the lungs and airways, heart, blood vessels, and bones of the chest and spine.

X-ray testing is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that helps doctors detect and treat various diseases. In this case, certain parts of the body are exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation, which allows them to be photographed.

X-ray examination is the oldest imaging method and is most often used in diagnosis.

In what areas is chest radiography used?

Chest X-rays are used to evaluate the condition of the lungs, heart, and chest wall. As a rule, first of all, this study is prescribed to diagnose the following symptoms:

Dyspnea
Severe or long-lasting cough
Chest pain
Chest injury
Fever

Chest X-ray is used to diagnose and monitor the following conditions:

Pneumonia
Heart failure and other heart diseases
Emphysema
Lungs' cancer
Position of the central catheter or endotracheal tube
Other diseases

How should you prepare for research?

In most cases, chest x-rays do not require any preparation.

During the examination, you will need to remove some or all of your clothing and wear a special hospital gown. In addition, you should remove all jewelry, glasses, dentures, and any metal or clothing that could interfere with the x-ray image.

Women should inform their doctor and radiologist of any possibility of pregnancy. As a rule, X-ray examinations are not performed during pregnancy to avoid exposure of the fetus to radiation. If x-rays are necessary, special precautions should be taken to protect the developing child.

What does the diagnostic equipment look like?

Chest x-ray equipment typically includes a wall-mounted box-like apparatus that holds x-ray film or a matrix to produce digital images, and an x-ray tube that is positioned 1.5 meters posteriorly.

In some cases, the X-ray tube is suspended above the patient's table. A drawer under the table contains X-ray film or a photographic plate for obtaining digital images.

A portable (portable) X-ray machine is a compact device that allows you to examine a patient directly in the intensive care unit or in a hospital bed. In this case, the X-ray tube is attached to a flexible manipulator, which is placed above the patient's body, while the photographic plate or X-ray film holder is behind the patient's body.

What is the basis for the research?

X-rays are similar to other forms of radiation such as light or radio waves. It has the ability to pass through most objects, including the human body. When used for diagnostic purposes, an X-ray machine produces a small beam of radiation that passes through the body and creates an image on photographic film or a special matrix for obtaining digital images.

X-rays are absorbed differently by different organs and parts of the body. Dense structures, such as bones, absorb radiation strongly, while soft tissue structures (muscles, fatty tissue and internal organs) transmit X-rays to a greater extent. As a result, on an x-ray, bone tissue appears white, air and air spaces appear black, and soft formations appear various shades of gray.

In a chest x-ray, most of the radiation is absorbed by the ribs, which appear white or light gray on the x-ray. Lung tissue absorbs X-rays weakly, and therefore the X-ray image appears dark in color.

Until recently, X-ray images were stored as copies on film, similar to photographic negatives. Nowadays, most images are available as digital files that are stored electronically. Such images are readily available and are used for comparison with the results of subsequent examinations to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

How is a chest x-ray performed?

As a rule, it is necessary to obtain two images of the chest organs: in frontal and lateral projection. At this time, the patient is positioned opposite the photographic plate holder.

A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in X-ray examinations) or a nurse presses the patient's shoulders and pelvis against the surface of the device where the photographic plate is located. For the second image, the patient is positioned sideways with his arms up.

If the patient is unable to stand, he is placed on a special table. In this case, you should remain as still as possible, and during the photo itself, hold your breath for a few seconds, which reduces the likelihood of blurring the image. When the X-ray machine is operating, the doctor moves towards the wall or leaves the treatment room into an adjacent room.

After the examination is completed, the radiologist asks the patient to wait until the images are analyzed, as additional series of images may be required.

A chest x-ray generally takes about 15 minutes. Additional imaging may be needed to evaluate changes in the chest after a few days, weeks, or months.

What should you expect during and after the study?

A chest x-ray itself is painless.

The cool temperature in the treatment room and the cold surface of the photographic plate may cause some discomfort to the patient. The inconvenience is caused by the need to stand still, especially if you have arthritis, injuries to the chest wall and upper or lower extremities. The doctor or physician's assistant helps the patient find the most comfortable position, which also ensures high-quality images.

Who reviews the X-ray results and where can they be obtained?

The images are analyzed by a radiologist: a doctor who specializes in performing x-ray examinations and interpreting their results. After examining the images, the radiologist draws up and signs a report, which is sent to the attending physician. In some cases, the report can be collected from the radiology department itself. Chest x-ray results can be obtained fairly quickly.

A follow-up examination is often required, the exact reason for which will be explained to the patient by the attending physician. In some cases, additional examination is carried out when doubtful results are obtained that require clarification during repeated images or the use of special imaging techniques. Dynamic observation allows timely identification of any pathological abnormalities that arise over time. In some situations, repeated examination allows us to talk about the effectiveness of treatment or stabilization of tissue condition over time.

Benefits and Risks of Chest X-ray

Advantages:

After completion of the examination, no radiation remains in the patient’s body.
When used for diagnostic purposes, X-rays do not cause any side effects.
X-ray equipment is relatively inexpensive and is available in most emergency departments, diagnostic centers, clinics and other institutions, making X-rays convenient for both patients and physicians.
Since X-ray examination is quick and easy, it is particularly useful for the diagnosis and treatment of emergency conditions.

Risks:

With excessive exposure to X-ray radiation on the body, there is always an extremely small risk of developing malignant tumors. However, the benefits of accurate diagnosis significantly outweigh this risk.
The effective dose of radiation for bone x-rays varies.
A woman should always tell her doctor or radiologist about the possibility of pregnancy.

A few words about reducing the impact of radiation on the body

During an x-ray examination, the doctor takes special measures to minimize radiation exposure to the body while trying to obtain the best quality image. Experts from international radiological safety councils regularly review radiology standards and produce new technical recommendations for radiologists.

State-of-the-art X-ray machines allow you to control the dose of X-ray radiation and provide filtration, which minimizes beam scattering. In this case, the patient’s organs and systems that are not examined receive a minimal dose of radiation.

To perform chest x-rays in medicine, a very low dose of x-ray radiation is used. The rays passing through the body are absorbed differently by tissues, resulting in an image of the lungs, heart, ribs, sternum and spine being formed on the film or screen.

The method is useful when there are complaints of shortness of breath, cough, fever, chest pain. Radiography is used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of various lung diseases, such as pneumonia, emphysema, and cancer.

Principle of chest radiography

The degree of absorption of X-rays by tissues depends on their density: bones block the rays well, so they look light in the picture, while soft tissues transmit them, which is why they look gray.

X-rays are a form of radiation, like radio waves or visible light, but with a different wavelength. They penetrate well through many physical objects. After focusing the beam on a specific anatomical area, such as the chest, the X-ray machine briefly increases the intensity of the radiation. It penetrates through the internal organs, absorbed depending on the density of the tissue, and the data obtained is recorded on film or a sensitive screen.

Bones block rays well, while internal organs, muscle and fatty tissues transmit them. That is why the image of the chest looks like light bones, with gray soft tissue around them, and dark air fields of the lungs inside.

Until recently, radiographs were stored only on film. Today, most images are digital files stored electronically. This format ensures ease of analysis, transmission and storage of information. That is why modern X-ray rooms are equipped with digital fluorographs and X-ray machines.

When is a chest x-ray necessary?

The study is prescribed by the doctor after an initial examination, percussion, palpation and auscultation of the lungs.

Indications for chest x-ray examination:

Using radiography, doctors can diagnose the following diseases:

, And ;
emphysema;
malignant tumor of the bronchi or;
enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes;
, hemothorax, and many other pathological processes.

Indications for chest x-ray

The study is prescribed for adults and children for the following purposes:

assessment of signs and symptoms potentially caused by pathologies of the respiratory, cardiovascular, upper digestive tract and musculoskeletal system of the chest wall;
assessment of the involvement of the lungs in the pathological process in systemic diseases affecting the entire body, as well as in the metastasis of malignant tumors from other foci;
studies with a known diagnosis to assess the quality of treatment (improvement, recovery, stabilization, progression);
examination of patients in intensive care units;
preventive examinations of different population groups, in particular, for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis;
preparation for surgery for lung diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Like any medical intervention, chest radiography has advantages and some disadvantages.

Advantages:

there is no residual radiation after completion of the diagnosis;
if the research rules are followed, the method does not cause side effects;
equipment is available in most medical institutions;
Obtaining an image, especially with a digital device, is very easy and takes little time, which is especially important in critical medical situations.

Possible risks:

there is a small chance that X-ray radiation will trigger the process of tumor formation, but the benefits of diagnosis outweigh this risk;
To obtain a high-quality image, highly qualified laboratory technicians are required to select the dose of X-ray radiation depending on the characteristics of the patient;
For pregnant women, additional measures are required to protect the fetus from radiation (lead aprons, blankets, etc.).

Modern devices pay special attention to reducing the radiation dose while improving image quality. National and international radiology organizations continually review and update standards for techniques used by radiologists.

Modern equipment controls the radiation dose by minimizing the effect on other parts of the body.

Limitations of the method

Chest X-ray is an informative study that often becomes decisive in making a diagnosis.

A chest x-ray is a very informative test, but it has some limitations. Not all pathological conditions can be detected with conventional radiography, for example, small tumors or pulmonary embolism.

There are no contraindications for chest radiography. During pregnancy, it is performed only if absolutely necessary. In this case, the abdominal area is protected with a special apron that does not transmit x-rays. They also use a special partition that prevents radiation from penetrating through the abdominal cavity. However, the danger to the fetus still remains, especially in early pregnancy. Preventive studies (fluorography) are not carried out during pregnancy.

Hazardous Conditions Detected by Research

The main diseases that can be diagnosed using a chest x-ray are:

Pneumonia appears on an x-ray as a light spot on a dark pulmonary background. This is due to swelling of the walls of the alveoli and the entry of inflammatory effusion into their lumen. The main causes of pneumonia are bacterial infection, chest trauma, and inhalation of harmful chemicals or stomach contents.

Congestive heart failure is accompanied by increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels, and in more severe cases, by the accumulation of fluid around the heart (in the pericardial cavity). On an x-ray, this appears as an increase in light linear shadows around the heart (intensification of the pulmonary pattern) and an increase in its size.

Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity as a result of injury to the chest, bullous emphysema, or disintegrating tumor. It appears as a thin dark line adjacent to the chest wall. In case of tension pneumothorax, an x-ray of the lungs is taken during inhalation and exhalation, and it is found that the amount of air does not change or even increases.

When blood, pus or inflammatory exudate accumulates in the pleural cavity, they speak of pleural effusion. It is caused by pleurisy, pleural empyema, congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or chest trauma. Often, effusion can be detected only in the area of the diaphragmatic angles, so it is very important to follow the imaging technique so that the entire chest is imaged.

Cardiomegaly is an enlarged heart, which may be a sign of valvular defects or dilated cardiomyopathy. It is diagnosed by measuring the size of the heart shadow and its relationship to the diameter of the chest.

An X-ray of the lungs can also reveal an accumulation of air in the abdominal cavity - pneumoperitoneum. This condition occurs with abdominal injuries, complications after operations on the abdominal organs, and intestinal perforation. It looks like a dark streak of air under the diaphragm.

Emphysema is one of the most common causes of death in patients with chronic lung diseases. X-ray is one of the main methods for diagnosing this dangerous condition, which is manifested by increased airiness of the lung tissue, deformation and increase in the size of the chest.

Chest X-ray is often crucial in making a diagnosis and determining treatment for a patient. That is why it is important to carry it out not only with modern equipment, but also to ensure that X-ray technicians and radiologists are well trained.

Chest X-ray is a high-quality diagnostic method that helps to detect tuberculosis, cancer, and inflammatory changes in the pulmonary parenchyma in a timely manner. X-ray diagnostics are also used to determine changes in the mediastinal organs.

An x-ray is obtained by passing ionizing radiation through an object (the human body), and therefore has a side effect (radiation). Dense tissues reflect X-rays, while soft tissues transmit them. Due to this, the image shows a planar image of anatomical structures, which is deciphered by a radiologist.

X-rays pass through low-density tissue and do not form an image in the picture. However, air tissues are structurally different from bones. Radiologists have learned through practical experience to distinguish the structure of shadows.

What does a chest x-ray (CH) show?

Chest X-ray shows infiltrative shadows, air cavities, foreign bodies and other pathological syndromes:

ring-shaped shadow (cyst, bronchiectasis);
limited, total and subsegmental darkening (pneumonia, cancer);
diffuse and local clearing (emphysema, pneumothorax);
deformation of the pulmonary pattern and roots of the lungs;
“plus-shadow” syndrome (with tumor growth).

Due to the patient's radiation exposure, X-rays of the lungs are performed only according to strict indications (for comparison: the dose for a chest X-ray in frontal and lateral projections is 0.42 mSv, and for fluorography - 0.015 mSv).

When a chest x-ray is taken:

Determination of the pathology of soft tissues, anatomical structures of the thoracic cavity.
Detection of congestive heart failure.
Suspicion of pneumonia, cancer and tuberculosis.

Sometimes x-rays of the chest cavity must be supplemented with bronchography, layer-by-layer and computed tomography. This increases the patient's radiation exposure.

The shadow of the sternum in the lateral image is highlighted with a square

Why does a chest x-ray give false results?

X-ray of the lungs gives a false positive result when shadows of other organs are superimposed on the anatomical structures: mediastinum, deformed vessels, diaphragm, pathological fractures of the sternum.

Layer-by-layer overlay of different structures on an image creates pathological X-ray syndromes, which are not confirmed by additional methods.

X-rays also create a false negative result when one darkening is overlapped by another anatomical structure.

X-ray of the chest and chest - how the methods differ

A chest x-ray is done if sternal fractures are suspected. The study is performed for traumatic injuries. Bone fragments due to deformations of the ribs and sternum can damage the pulmonary parenchyma and cause respiratory failure.

Breast x-rays are performed in frontal and lateral projections using “hard rays”. In such images it is difficult to see the structure of the pulmonary pattern and the airiness of the lungs.

The overview shows the pathological processes of the lung fields and surrounding tissues. It should be distinguished from fluorography, which is done for preventive purposes (screening). When pathology is detected on a fluorographic image, an x-ray examination of the lungs is performed in two projections for the purpose of more accurate diagnosis (fluorography has low resolution).

Sometimes doctors do a chest X-ray if they suspect a mass in the mammary glands. This test is called mammography. It is carried out to identify primary cancerous foci of the mammary glands.

Mammography for tuberculosis: a white spot formed by a tuberculous inflammatory focus

Why is radiography of the lungs performed in several projections?

Sometimes patients have a question about why X-rays of the lungs are performed in several projections. Let us answer that the examination allows you to determine the shape, size and nature of the pathological shadow.

According to the standards for clinical examination of patients with X-rays, if pneumonia is suspected, radiologists take pictures in frontal and lateral projections. Using anteroposterior and lateral images, you can determine the localization of the pathological formation, as well as how many segments it affects.

Dynamic radiological monitoring of inflammatory changes in the chest can be carried out in the lateral and anteroposterior projections, depending on the decision of the radiologist.

Every patient has the right to refuse radiation and take responsibility for their health!

X-ray of the chest cavity is an effective and efficient method for identifying pathology of the lungs and surrounding tissues, as well as dynamic monitoring of the patient’s treatment. X-rays are performed according to strict indications!

Chest X-ray is a common diagnostic procedure that allows you to visualize pathologies of the organs of this department. X-rays of the OGK are performed both in a regular clinic and in a diagnostic center. The study is valuable for making a diagnosis and for monitoring treatment.

X-ray vs fluorograph: main differences

X-ray examination is often confused with fluorography, however, these are two different types of human examination. They have fundamental differences among themselves. Radiography is considered a more informative study, so it is used to:

confirm the suspected diagnosis;
clarify the results of treatment;
track pathology over time.

A beam of X-rays penetrates the organ being examined in two projections, and is then transferred to a CCD matrix, or film (old version). The study produces a picture with 256 shades of white and black. Dense structures are indicated in a light color, and hollow ones are indicated in a dark color. As a result, the doctor receives an image and diagnoses normal or pathological conditions.

Fluorographic research is a technique in which a shadow image of organs is photographed in one projection from an optical screen or x-ray screen onto 70 or 100 mm film. To obtain a fluorogram, an X-ray fluorography apparatus is used. It consists of an X-ray tube (X-ray tube), a diaphragm, and a CCD matrix.

This technique is often used to diagnose tuberculosis, cancer and pathology of the bronchopulmonary system. The advantage of fluorography is that it is a less harmful research method, which is why it is used in mass screening of the population. It is recommended to undergo fluorography no more than once every two years, and for some categories of the population - once a year.

The disadvantages of fluorography are considered significant in the diagnosis of many pathologies:

The fluorography image is not as sharp and contrasty as an x-ray;
the size of the chest in the image is reduced;
It is more difficult to distinguish lung pathologies.

Therefore, doctors try to prescribe x-rays if necessary, and in order to prevent tuberculosis, fluorography will be sufficient.

Fluorography and x-rays are different methods for studying the human body. Both of these methods are used to confirm a particular diagnosis or identify a specific pathology. To take an X-ray, a dose of 0.3-0.5 mSV is used, and for fluorography - 0.03-0.05 mSV, which is ten times less than with an X-ray.

Indications for the study

There are clear indications for performing a chest x-ray. If a pulmonary pathology is suspected, the doctor will prescribe an x-ray if the patient has complaints about:

These signs primarily illustrate pulmonary problems. After a visual examination, the doctor will make a preliminary diagnosis, but can only confirm it with an x-ray.

X-ray examination helps not only to make diagnoses, but also to carry out differential diagnostics and separate one disease from another. This is extremely important, because many pulmonary pathologies have similar symptoms and it can be difficult to determine a specific diagnosis.

In addition to respiratory diseases, chest x-rays also visualize heart pathologies. Typically, diagnostics for heart diseases are performed along with electrocardiography, which will also illustrate abnormalities in the functioning of this organ. X-ray of the chest is indicated for shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid fatigue from the slightest physical exertion. These signs may be symptoms of chronic heart failure.

Using a chest x-ray, doctors determine the following diseases:

heart attack and post-infarction changes in the heart;
pulmonary embolism;
heart defects, both congenital and acquired;
chronic heart failure;
cardiomyopathy;
aortic aneurysm.

The procedure is performed for diseases of the skeletal system and spinal column. First of all, X-rays are taken if injuries are suspected, and 100% of patients who have already sustained injuries to the sternum are subject to examination. The picture will show bruises and fractures. Most often, these can be injuries in the area of the ribs, spine and collarbone. In the image, the doctor sees not only the bone fragments themselves, but also the presence of foreign bodies and displacement of the bones in relation to each other. If the victim has a pneumothorax and air gets into the chest cavity, this can also be seen using an x-ray.

How is an X-ray performed?

Diagnostics of OGK is often prescribed - every person has done this test at least once in his life. A referral for the procedure can be issued by a therapist, traumatologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, surgeon, oncologist and doctors of other specialties who believe that the cause of the disease is in the chest organs.

The procedure is carried out in a specially designated room where the installation is located. The research will not take much time. Before taking the x-ray, the x-ray technologist will instruct the patient how a chest x-ray is done and what needs to be done. The patient is then placed in the required position in front of the projection screen.

The picture is taken in different projections. This is done to avoid images layering on top of each other. Sometimes pathologies can be invisible on a direct projection, but perfectly visualized on a lateral projection.

During the procedure, the patient is required to remove clothes to the waist and metal jewelry. During the AP X-ray, the radiologist will give the command to hold air in the lungs for about 10-15 seconds. In the lateral projection, the same actions occur, only the patient’s hand is placed behind the head and the patient is turned sideways to the screen. No special preparation is required before examining the chest.

Projection diagnostics of the lungs

When performing an X-ray of the lungs, it is possible to do the study in two projections. Naturally, the harm from radiation is higher than with one photo. However, with the help of a plain chest x-ray in two projections, a person’s life can be saved, because not all diseases are visible with a direct projection.

X-ray of the OGK in two projections is performed for diagnosis:

Lateral projection

Diagnosis of the chest in two projections is carried out in a direct and lateral view. The direct projection is also called the anteroposterior view, a name based on the way the X-rays pass through the patient's chest cavity. When examining the lateral position, it makes no difference whether the patient is placed on the right or left side of the screen.

The image in the lateral projection is secondary - it helps to better see those organs that were closer to the screen. Targeted lateral projection is extremely important for determining the volume of pneumonia and localizing the source of inflammation, as well as for determining the location of tumors in the lungs.

Interpretation of diagnostic results

The image is interpreted by a radiologist. More often, doctors have to work with images in two projections. Normally, the lungs are unchanged, the roots are well visualized and have no pathological extensions. The diaphragmatic contour and sinuses have no pathological signs. The vessels provide a shadow of the usual configuration. Joints, bones and soft tissues are normally unchanged.

The above decoding data is typical for patients under fifty years of age. As you age, changes occur that appear differently on x-rays. Elderly people have an enlarged heart shadow, their lungs are more transparent, and due to the loss of elasticity of the parenchyma, the vascular pattern is deformed. For a qualitative assessment of the results, it is necessary to contact doctors with experience, since the description of the results is often subjective.

What do inflammatory foci indicate?

In some cases, it detects foci of pathology and inflammatory foci. They indicate not so much inflammation as the presence of pathology. Lesions may be a sign of:

If abnormalities are detected, the doctor needs to differentiate the pathology and determine what disease gave such an image. For example, a small nodular formation may be a sign of thromboembolism, while a larger one may indicate a cyst or cancer metastasis. To conduct a detailed study and clarify the diagnosis, doctors recommend performing a computed tomography scan.

Roots of the lungs and diaphragm on x-ray

In the image, the diaphragm appears below the pulmonary field and forms a dome. The diaphragm stands high in the central part, and lowers towards the periphery, forming angles - sinuses. Normally, the dome of the diaphragm is located at the level of the fifth or sixth rib. When you take a deep breath, it flattens.

It is difficult to see the roots of the lungs during X-ray diagnostics, since they are covered by the shadow of the mediastinum. In the picture, the visible part is divided into upper, middle and lower parts. The main shadow is given by the pulmonary artery and the smaller one by the veins, and the bronchi give contrast to the image. Externally, the root of the lung is a whole plexus of vessels and bronchi, which give the shadow in the picture.

Chest X-ray for children

MRI is the safest research method

For children, diagnosis is recommended solely according to indications. If a child has a questionable Mantoux reaction, as well as signs of tuberculosis, then doctors refer the patient for an x-ray. It is also necessary to do this in case of a chest injury, since the bones of children are fragile and any blow can lead to a fracture or crack of a rib, collarbone, etc.

Using X-rays, congenital pathologies of organs are visible, so doctors will, without a doubt, send the baby for an X-ray. Many mothers worry about the harm of the study - this is in vain, because it is much more important to diagnose the pathology in a timely manner and cure it.

Harm from X-rays for children and pregnant women

X-rays are not harmful to children or pregnant women. Of course, it is not prescribed “just like that,” but only for compelling reasons to examine the patient. Children and pregnant women, if necessary, can use the examination - it allows you to obtain an image with low radiation. The minimum dose will not harm the patient in any way.

Alternative to X-ray

The most harmful research method

An X-ray is not the only examination of the chest that helps to obtain an image of the internal organs. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are no less informative, and sometimes doctors can make a diagnosis after receiving the results of fluorography. In this case, the patient will even receive much less radiation compared to the classical one. Therefore, when prescribing an x-ray, do not despair - a conventional examination can be replaced with a digital one, and sometimes even use an alternative diagnostic method.

An X-ray of the OGK is an informative study of organs that cannot be seen otherwise. Therefore, when ordering an x-ray, it must be done correctly, following the doctor’s recommendations. Then you can get a reliable result and, if necessary, begin timely treatment.

Video

X-ray of the chest organs, primarily the lungs, should be performed on every person annually. This study is quite simple and informative, but, unfortunately, it cannot always reveal pathology, as a result of which either an incorrect diagnosis may be made, or the patient will be released without a diagnosis at all. If it was possible to identify any deviations from the norm, the patient will be prescribed a more in-depth examination (computed tomography, bronchoscopy, etc.).

Chest radiography is a method for diagnosing diseases of the chest organs and adjacent anatomical structures using one of the types of ionizing radiation - x-rays.

In this case, there is no need to be afraid of the word “ionizing”, since the doses received during the study are insignificant, their effects are short-term, and special methods of protecting other organs are used during the study. And modern digital devices generally make it possible to reduce the dose to negligible values. In addition, modern equipment can display images on the screen in real time and the doctor can immediately examine the area of interest more precisely, rather than calling the patient again, again exposing him to X-rays.

This type of research should not be confused with such fluorography, which consists of fixing on small-format X-ray film only shadows of organs and does not allow one to clearly visualize the pathology; at best, it can only be suspected. In this case, the radiation dose a person receives is higher than with radiography, and the information content is lower. However, the cost of this type of examination is significantly lower than that of x-ray, so this method continues to be used in some places.

In the correct form of radiography photographs are taken in two projections: frontal and lateral, this way you can visualize areas that are not visible in any of them and avoid the fact that the pathology will be overlooked. However, doctors and x-ray technicians who work in our hospitals and clinics either do not know about this, or simply save materials and time by doing only direct projection. Hence there are many cases where the pathology was missed and then detected at later stages of the disease.

No special preparation is required for the study. You just need to remove clothes from the upper part of the body, remove all metal objects on the neck (chains, crosses), and also put a special apron on the lower part of the body to protect the internal organs from the rays. This is especially important for women of childbearing age, since there is a possibility that radiation may affect developing eggs, especially if examinations are performed frequently. In some cases, a special collar is placed around the patient’s neck, which protects the thyroid gland from radiation. If a woman has suspicions that she is pregnant, then it is better to postpone the study until this is finally clarified, since exposure to X-rays in the early stages of embryonic development can have disastrous consequences. Therefore, if pregnancy is just being planned, it is advisable to perform an x-ray of the lungs in advance, so that in the future there will be no problems in the antenatal clinic when registering. If a woman is breastfeeding, the milk must be expressed before the test. so that there is something to feed the baby after the study, because all the milk that has been irradiated will need to be poured out, you cannot feed the baby with such milk..

After the patient stands correctly at the X-ray machine, he will need to, at the doctor’s command, take a deep breath and hold your breath, after which the study can be considered completed, all that remains is to wait for the results, which, as a rule, can be obtained the next day, sometimes on the day of the study.

As a rule, an X-ray examination is prescribed once a year during preventive medical examinations, or, as they are commonly called, medical examinations. However, not all organizations are conscientious about the health of their employees and prefer to simply save on medical care. Therefore, a person must independently take care of his health and undergo this study voluntarily, especially in connection with the increasing incidence of tuberculosis and tumor diseases of the lungs in recent years.

In addition, a chest x-ray may be prescribed if there are symptoms indicating the existence of diseases of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and other organs:

A referral for a study is issued by a general practitioner at a district clinic, or it can be a voluntary decision of the patient, but then on a paid basis. Price research depends on the region and on the medical center, with St. Petersburg, for example, the numbers float from 700 rubles to 1500 rubles.

There are a lot of radiological symptoms of diseases of the chest organs and only a radiologist can understand them; to an ordinary person, all radiographs may seem the same. If necessary, the doctor will recommend a repeat or more in-depth examination.

I conscientiously complete this study once a year., because, firstly, I live in a region unfavorable for the incidence of tuberculosis, and secondly, due to my professional activities, I have periodic contact with people suffering from bronchopulmonary diseases. It’s much easier for me to “take a photo” and then live in peace for a whole year than to walk around and think at the slightest cough that I’m sick with something serious.

This study does not cause me any inconvenience or negative consequences, but when the question arose about registering with the antenatal clinic for pregnancy, the doctor did not have the slightest question for me. But if a fresh examination of the lungs is not on hand, then at the onset of labor the ambulance may take the woman in labor to an observational maternity hospital, where women who have never been examined at all or women suffering from infectious diseases give birth. I don't think anyone needs this.

Whether or not to perform a chest x-ray is a personal matter for each person; whether or not to be afraid of x-rays is the same. However, if you turn on common sense, then everything immediately falls into place.