Permissible number of X-ray examinations: recommendations for adults and children. What does a lung x-ray show? Competent decoding of x-rays of the lungs Is it possible not to do an x-ray if there is

Radiography is a common diagnostic procedure that is used as a screening for certain diseases, and is also indispensable for confirming and clarifying the diagnosis. The fact that X-ray does not affect the body in the best way became known a few years after its introduction into medical practice. Since then, X-ray facilities have undergone significant changes, making x-rays less dangerous. However, there are still risks of negative consequences.

This material will address the main questions regarding whether x-rays are harmful and what kind of dangers lie behind it. Readers will learn how often x-rays can be taken without harm to health, and what can be done to reduce the likelihood of consequences.

To understand why X-rays are dangerous, it is important to know the essence and nature of this type of radiation. This kind of rays belongs to the category of X-ray radiation, and the wavelength for such radiation is in the interval between gamma and ultraviolet rays. Like other types of waves, X-rays have a certain energy potential - ionizing properties. When passing through tissues, an X-ray leaves a peculiar trace: the structure of atoms and molecules changes due to a change in their “charge”.

Important! Even in small concentrations, X-rays always affect the body, and its effect has a cumulative effect - the longer contact with ionizing radiation continues, the greater the harm of X-rays.

With a one-time receipt of large doses of this type of rays, a person develops acute symptoms of X-ray exposure - radiation sickness. Internal organs are damaged (primarily the central nervous system and the hematopoietic system), a semblance of burns appears on the body, and multiple organ internal bleeding begins. Death can occur as early as the first hours after receiving a lethal dose. Regular intake of non-life-threatening doses leads to chronic diseases.

The negative impact of X-rays is not limited to the body of a person who has been exposed to the rays. The most dangerous consequences for the body are genetic changes that can be inherited. This is due to the fact that the gonads and reproductive cells - spermatozoa and eggs - are most affected. Damage to their DNA structure fully shows how harmful X-rays are to humanity as a whole.

How much radiation does a person receive during the study

Having understood how harmful X-rays are to humans, doctors have the opportunity to calculate what a safe dose of radiation should be. In medical practice, this concept is known as the recommended radiation exposure.

In modern devices, the radiation dose during x-rays does not harm health, since its indicators are hundreds of times lower than the lethal dose., which is 1 Sv. It is this dose of radiation for a person that is fraught with the development of radiation sickness. It is dangerous in terms of long-term consequences and leads to various diseases of internal organs and systems. As for such a concept as a deadly dose of radiation for a person, it implies a higher dose load:

over 4 Sv - leads to death 1-2 months after exposure due to damage to the bone marrow and dysfunction of the hematopoietic system;
over 10 Sv - leads to death 1-2 weeks after exposure due to large-scale hemorrhages in the internal organs;
over 100 Sv - causes enormous harm, causes death several hours later (maximum 48 hours) after exposure due to the cessation of the central nervous system.

Experts note that even modern x-rays are harmful if x-rays are taken too often. In this case, the ability of irradiation to be summed up after the next procedure affects.

Calculation of the allowable radiation dose

According to WHO recommendations, the average annual X-ray dose for an adult should not exceed 0.5 Sv or 500 mSv per year. This level of radiation exposure is two times lower than that which provokes radiation sickness. However, in most cases, doctors make sure that the allowable dose received through X-rays per year is 10 times lower, that is, 50 mSv per year. This is due to the fact that a person, even without medical procedures, is affected daily by background radiation: solar radiation, coming from devices, etc. It does not cause direct harm to health, but also tends to accumulate.

Important! The permissible dose for children is 2-3 times lower than for adults, since it causes more harm to a growing body.

In order to correctly calculate the allowable number of rays for an individual patient, the background in the place of his permanent residence, other environmental factors and lifestyle are taken into account. For example, for people who often fly on airplanes, the exposure rate for X-ray studies can be reduced, since in the upper layers of the atmosphere there is a stronger exposure than at the surface of the earth.

To determine how often one or another study can be done, the allowable annual dose of 50 mSv is written down in the medical record for a year. If at the beginning of the term it was often necessary to do diagnostics and the limit was exhausted, they will not take an x-ray for an adult until the end of the billing period.

Received radiation doses for different types of x-rays

At modern facilities, patient doses are only slightly higher than background radiation. This made X-rays safer for repeated use. Even when creating a series of repeated images, the total exposure to x-rays does not exceed 50% of the recommended annual load and does not cause harm, but the final figures depend on the type of study.

Different procedures are characterized by different radiation exposure to the human body:

analog fluorography (an outdated version of the diagnosis of lung diseases) - up to 0.2 mSv;
digital fluorography - up to 0.06 mSv (in the latest generation devices up to 0.002 mSv);
x-ray of the neck and cervical spine - up to 0.1 mSv;
examination of the head - up to 0.4 mSv;
snapshot of the abdominal organs - up to 0.4 mSv;
detailed radiography (includes x-rays of different parts of the body and joints) - up to 0.03 mSv;
intraoral (dental) radiography - up to 0.1 mSv.

The greatest radiation load on the human body is during fluoroscopy of internal organs. Despite the insignificant indicators of radiation power, they achieve impressive numbers due to the long duration of the procedure. On average, up to 3.5 mSv of radiation is transmitted to an adult in one session. Computed tomography has even greater indicators, in which the patient receives a dose of up to 11 mSv. Although such amounts of exposure are not harmful, such studies can be done infrequently.

Is digital x-ray harmful?

Unlike aging analog x-rays, digital x-rays have less radiation exposure and less harm, but allow you to get better images. Considering that the radiation dose on digital x-rays is several times lower, specialists have the opportunity to do research more often.

Good to know! Even when creating a series of images or re-examinations on digital installations, the received radiation dose is 2-3 times lower, so their harm is minimal.

When using a digital camera, pictures can be taken a second time within a day. This may be necessary when obtaining a blurry picture, or detecting indistinguishable details on it. However, here, too, radiologists take into account the potential harm of radiation, and try not to make diagnostics often, especially for children.

How many times a year can you do an x-ray without harm to health

To calculate how often x-rays can be taken without harm to the body, a number of factors must be taken into account. The main attention is paid to the total values of exposure per unit of time. It is harmful to take x-rays too often, especially if large areas of the body are exposed to the rays. In addition, when calculating the period between studies, experts take into account the index of susceptibility of various tissues to radiation. The most pronounced harm is observed when irradiating the brain and endocrine glands, including the gonads, so it is not recommended to diagnose them more than once a year.

Fluorography and x-ray of the abdominal cavity can be done 2 times a year. The average time interval between such diagnostic procedures can be reduced to 45 days. This is necessary so that the organs have time to partially recover after exposure to radiation. X-rays of the peripheral parts of the body (limbs and joints) can be done more often - up to 6 times a year. However, the potential health risks must also be taken into account. You can do no more than three such procedures per month.

How long can you do it again

In some cases, patients need a second x-ray:

to clarify the diagnosis after fluorography;
to track dynamics during treatment;
to monitor the effectiveness of therapy;
to clarify pathologies when obtaining a poor-quality image.

Only a specialist can determine the frequency of x-rays. This takes into account the ratio of the radiation exposure created by the device, the area of irradiation exposure and individual damage to tissues. For example, when diagnosing a fracture of the hand, you can take a picture again after two days, while fluoroscopy of the intestine can be done at an interval of at least two months. Radiography that affects the endocrine glands (neck, hip joints in women, etc.) is allowed no more than twice a year.

Important! The exception is cancer patients who need regular monitoring of tumor dynamics. They can have up to 4 treatments per month, regardless of the area of study.

What happens if you do it often

In medicine, there are different situations: some patients have to take x-rays 2 times in a row to establish an accurate clinical picture. At the same time, patients often worry about whether it is dangerous to do x-rays so often. Experts say that if there are unconditional indications and it is impossible to use other diagnostic methods, an x-ray taken 2 times a day does not cause significant harm to the human body.

In situations where you need to take pictures often, clinic staff use minimal dosages and try to protect the patient's body from radiation to the maximum. This reduces the risk of receiving the maximum allowable doses of radiation to a certain extent. In the event that the total exposure indicators approach the maximum permissible norms, the doctor may refuse to take a picture. But this rule also has exceptions: if the patient's life is in danger due to the lack of important data, x-rays will often be taken even if the total dose slightly exceeded the recommended values.

The main harm, which determined the rule why X-rays should not be done often, is a gradual change in the functions of internal organs and systems. If the patient receives doses of radiation regularly, there is a risk of changes in the blood picture: leukopenia, erythrocytopenia, thrombocytopenia. The main sign of their appearance is excessive fatigue, weakness, bleeding gums, severe bleeding even from small wounds. Such conditions require special therapy and radical cancellation of x-rays.

Does x-ray affect potency in men

Among the male population, the influence of x-rays on potency is of particular importance. The question of what harm the procedure does to the male body interests male patients much more than the potential harm of x-rays to other areas of health. Radiologists reassure - radiation in modern installations is not enough to radically worsen the functioning of the reproductive system. Moreover, during each procedure, men's intimate organs are protected with a special lead apron in order to 100% exclude the possibility of irradiation of the gonads.

Good to know! The male part of the population can have x-rays as many times a year as for women.

The only situation when an x-ray can harm potency is the consequences of acute radiation sickness, that is, more than 1 Sv in one session, which is completely excluded if you do a regular x-ray. In this case, the deterioration of erectile function will be a secondary symptom. It will arise over time due to dysfunction of the sex glands and a general deterioration in well-being.

How to reduce stress and precautions

To reduce the harm from x-rays, you can do examinations no more often than the doctor recommends. At the same time, preference should be given to medical institutions in which the latest generation devices are installed. They can take pictures without harm to health more often than on aging analog x-ray units.

To reduce the harmfulness of x-rays, clinics use special precautions. Most often they are expressed in limiting the area of radiation exposure with the help of special reflective devices: hats, sleeves, aprons and diapers made of lead rubber. They cover parts of the body that do not require diagnostics.

In order for the X-ray to be carried out safely, the patient should follow the recommendations of a behavioral specialist during the procedure. Even minor violations (careless movement, uneven breathing, etc.) often lead to cloudy images, so doctors have to do a second session, that is, additionally irradiate the patient.

To track the total radiation exposure for each person, a special X-ray passport has been created, in which you need to make notes about the timing of the procedures and the doses received. Often the patient does not have access to them, so if you need to do X-ray diagnostics in private clinics, you can take an extract from such a card. This will help reduce the chance of harm to health due to excessive exposure.

Each person more than once in his life took X-rays, which are so necessary to clarify the diagnosis. This procedure is prescribed for all age groups: both babies of the first year of life and the elderly. Based on this, many people have a question, how often can an x-ray be taken. This article will answer this question in as much detail as possible.

Is radiography considered dangerous?

The body of all people is characterized by individual resistance to radiation. But despite this, there are generally accepted indicators that medical professionals adhere to. Answering the question of how many times a year an X-ray can be done, some doctors are of the opinion that the frequency of this procedure depends on how much the patient's condition requires.

Sometimes frequent monitoring is necessary for the timely detection of pathologies. This opinion is not always rational, since a greater number of chest diseases can be detected using the safest methods, which include:

general blood analysis;
ultrasound diagnostics;
listening.

This judgment is rational in the presence of suspicions of lung cancer or pneumonia. X-rays load the human body. X-rays are especially dangerous when living in conditions of increased environmental pollution, which is acceptable to any large industrial city. Of course, it is best to avoid frequent examinations if possible, but it happens that there is an urgent need for radiography.

Important! If the patient suffers from a serious illness, for example, a complex stage of pneumonia, then the procedure is allowed to be carried out several times a month. In this case, the risk from the disease will be higher than the possible harm from x-ray exposure.

A modern diagnostic device is considered a rather expensive device.

In addition, answering the question of how harmful X-rays are, most doctors argue that serious radiation exposure is possible only when using an old device. Today there is a big difference between the x-ray equipment of the last century. A modern device significantly reduces the dosage of radiation that has a negative effect on the patient.

In addition, there is a non-destructive body X-ray, in which the study is carried out on the selected area. Radiation load, which is directed to a separate area, is subjected to patients undergoing CT, MRI.

How often can x-rays be taken?

The question often arises of how often it is allowed to take x-rays for an adult and a child. This is especially true when the availability of images is necessary for several doctors, for example, for a pulmonologist and a cardiologist. If the patient's condition is stable, then the picture is valid for 1 year.

There is no unequivocal answer to the question of how many times an x-ray can be done, since it depends on the individuality of the patient, his condition, age, stage of the disease, and the features of the x-ray machine. For different categories, there is an individually permitted frequency of the study.

X-rays of the extremities of children are allowed to be carried out no more than 5 times a year. Radiation exposure is harmful not only to babies, but also to adolescents. Examination of the brain, trunk is not recommended without the presence of viscous indications.

Although the most modern devices have a weak radiation background, which practically does not have a detrimental effect on the body of children.

An examination of an adult is carried out based on the following standards:

adults should not do more than 1 time per year. However, some professions require more frequent examinations, in which case the x-ray is replaced by fluorography, which has a more weakened radiation effect.
X-ray of the teeth is carried out no more than once a year, when the rays are fed through the spine or brain. If the survey is carried out from the side and has a point effect on the teeth, then it is allowed to do an examination up to 5 times a year.
The sinuses are allowed to be removed no more than once a year, since they are close to the brain.
Examination of the spine is the most unfavorable procedure, with the frequency of which it is better not to overdo it. Usually it does not exceed once a year.

Dental x-ray photo - low dose procedure

Important! CT carries the highest radiation load, the number of micro-roentgens during this procedure reaches 1100 mR per hour.

Is it possible to do an x-ray of a nursing woman

There are situations when a nursing woman needs to take an x-ray. At the same time, many people have a natural question whether it is possible to feed a child after the procedure. And today, fluorography is carried out even within the walls of the maternity hospital. In this case, it is recommended to feed before the procedure. After the X-ray, the milk must be expressed and poured out.

The next feeding can be carried out as usual. If a woman is being examined for the intended purpose, especially with the use of a dye, then it is recommended to refrain from breastfeeding during the day. Important! When taking x-rays for a nursing woman, the chest area should be covered with a protective screen.

Is it possible to reduce the negative impact of x-rays with frequent

In order for radiography to bring as few negative effects as possible, it is recommended to adhere to the following simple recommendations:

first of all, you can strengthen the body by taking antioxidants, for example, the Omega-3 complex;
you can increase immunity with the help of vitamin preparations, consisting of vitamins of the P, B, A, E, C groups;
you should consume more fermented milk products before and after the procedure;
if you eat oatmeal, prunes, granular bread, then you can remove the harmful elements that have entered the body during the examination.

Radiography is sometimes a necessary and far from useful procedure that allows you to timely identify many diseases. Its frequent use can cause irreparable consequences for the body.

Each of us at least once in a lifetime did an X-ray examination. And for sure you will be familiar with at least one of such terms as fluorography of the lungs (image of the chest), mammography (image of the mammary glands) or computed tomography (CT, examination of various organs). All of this has to do with X-rays. And most often, patients are prescribed a regular x-ray (for example, with serious injuries, to understand if there are fractures).

At the same time, in order to get an appointment for such a diagnosis, it is not necessary to break a limb or catch a dangerous disease. Some X-ray studies are also carried out for preventive purposes. For example, fluorography for the prevention of tuberculosis is recommended to be done once a year.

Without going into complex details, x-rays can be described as follows. This is a stream of electromagnetic waves that can penetrate the tissues of the body. Thanks to special devices, a picture of the "illuminated" insides appears. So doctors get the opportunity to assess the nature of internal injuries. Of course, this method helps doctors make diagnoses faster and more reliably and save the patient's life.

But there are also disadvantages - radiation from an X-ray machine can negatively affect the human body. The first and most terrible consequence worth remembering is cancer.

As stated in the report of the Moscow department of Rospotrebnadzor for 2017, the "average annual effective dose" of exposure to a resident of Moscow is 3.95 mSv (millisievert). As already Life, this is quite a bit: the maximum allowable value is five times more.

At the same time, a fifth of the annual radiation dose is medical research. In general - not the most terrifying figure.

But this is the "average temperature in the hospital." After all, one person can do two or three X-ray studies a year, and the second - none at all. Of course, in the first case, the radiation dose will be many times greater.

CT against children

Fluorography and radiography damage the body by less than 1 mSv at a time (which is a fairly small dose). And CT of the whole body is 25–30 mSv (this is more than the allowable annual value). In some cases, fears that oncological diseases may develop after frequent X-ray studies are justified.

Recently, scientists from the Ural Institute of Biophysics published a study on this issue. 890 children and adolescents were under the supervision of specialists for 10 years. All of them went through a CT scanner, the average radiation dose was about 2 mSv at a time. So - in 12 of them, by the time the scientific study was completed, they discovered an oncological disease.

The scientists clarified that they do not have reliable evidence that children fell ill precisely because of the radiation dose on CT scans, and therefore they plan to continue research in this area.

Benefits more than harm

Photo: © RIA Novosti / Kirill Kallinikov

According to the toxicologist-radiologist Alexander Grebenyuk, there is still no need to panic - exposure during most X-ray studies as a whole "fits" into the natural background radiation. As for CT, here the expert emphasized that this procedure should never be done without a doctor's prescription. In general, this applies to both x-rays and fluorography - it’s not worth the risk without the need.

Radiation does not cause disease instantly. The danger is long-term exposure, he said. - Under the influence of electromagnetic waves, the human body loses its protective properties, its immunity becomes less resistant to diseases (including diseases of the cardiovascular system, oncology, etc.). But to prove that it was the radiation that caused the disease is difficult. There is no clear scientific evidence.

Fluorography has been included in the compulsory medical examination program for many years. The procedure is technically simple and is a low-cost preventive examination method. However, in recent years, more and more doctors are abandoning fluorography in favor of x-rays. Why? What are the features of X-ray examination? Let's consider the issue in detail.

What is the difference between a chest x-ray and a chest x-ray?

A chest x-ray is an informative and detailed examination. It allows you to diagnose:

The principle of taking a picture using x-rays is based on the difference in the absorption of radioactive particles by body tissues. Thus, calcium-rich bones of the skeleton retain the maximum number of X-rays. As a result, in the resulting image, the bone tissues look the brightest. Fat, muscles, fluids and connective tissue absorb less x-rays. Therefore, in the picture they are displayed in grayscale. Air transmits a maximum of X-rays through itself. Because of this, the cavities filled with it look the darkest.

But what is the difference between classic fluorography and x-ray ? It would seem that the principle of diagnostics is the same and there should be no differences, but they exist and are due to differences in imaging technologies. First of all, every person going to the X-ray room should know that:

during a fluorographic examination, the small size of the pathology is visible only as subtle threads, therefore, when the slightest suspicion appears, an x-ray is prescribed. Thus, today fluorography is more likely to be a preventive research method;
X-ray allows you to get an image with a resolution an order of magnitude higher, thanks to which they can be increased to huge sizes;
the radiation dose obtained with x-rays is several times less.

Traditional fluorography is recognized as an outdated method and is no longer used in many countries. Whereas radiography is a more accurate method of diagnosing, allowing not only to identify pathological processes in the early stages, but also to quickly track their changes. However, the price of an x-ray is several times higher than the classic fluorographic analysis.

Indications for x-ray and fluorography

X-rays may be triggered by a variety of symptoms. The main ones are pain in the lungs, dry cough, hemoptysis, general weakness and unreasonable weight loss.

Note!
There are no categorical contraindications for the passage of x-rays of the lungs. But sending a pregnant woman for examination, the doctor must carefully weigh all the pros and cons.

Mandatory fluorography is provided for preventive purposes for patients:

who applied to a medical institution for the first time;
living with newborns and pregnant women;
who are conscripts or entering military service under a contract;
diagnosed with HIV infection.

How often can an x-ray be done and is it harmful?

Increasing knowledge about the effect of X-ray radiation on the human body has launched the process of developing state and international standards that regulate the permissible amount of exposure.

Modern methods of X-ray diagnostics involve the use of negligible doses of radiation that are absolutely safe for the human body. However, in order not to endanger yourself, you should not exceed the average annual exposure. Russian official medicine considers a permissible dose of 1.4 mSv per person per year. For comparison: in the USA and France, the average effective annual dose corresponds to 0.4 mSv, in Japan - 0.8 mSv, the UK adheres to the standard of 0.3 mSv. If you undergo radiography in the best clinics in the country using digital equipment, then you will not receive more than 0.03 mSv for 1 procedure. Outdated film x-ray machines give a one-time exposure of 0.3 mSv, which is the annual norm for the UK.

It is worth saying that modern digital equipment used for X-ray diagnostics emits a dose comparable to that acquired in the natural environment in 10 days. Such an X-ray system minimizes the risk of possible adverse effects of rays on the human body.

The question of how often an x-ray of the lungs is acceptable is an individual one. The doctor decides it by evaluating the general health of the patient and the level of achievement of the average tolerable dose of radiation.

If we talk about pregnant women and children, then they are much less likely to be prescribed an X-ray examination. However, even these patients undergo it if necessary. The availability of modern equipment with reduced radiation exposure, compliance with safety regulations and competent maintenance of the X-ray diagnostic system are the key to an effective and harmless examination. Unlike x-rays, fluorography is legally prohibited for children under 15 years of age.

Description of the lung x-ray procedure

An x-ray examination of the lungs does not require any preparation of the patient for analysis. As well as a departure from the usual way of life after its implementation.

A modern X-ray machine is a complex high-tech equipment that allows you to notice changes in the size of less than 1 mm. With the results of the examination, provided in a few minutes, you can contact any medical institution. The resulting image format meets Russian and international standards.

The X-ray examination procedure takes only a few minutes. Thanks to the introduction of innovative technologies, the process has become instantaneous, information is immediately displayed on the screen.

To perform an X-ray analysis, undress to the waist and remove all metal jewelry. The presence of hairpins or buttons on clothing can degrade the quality of the picture. Modern equipment allows you to shoot in underwear, the main thing is that it does not contain synthetics and metal. It is possible to perform the procedure in a standing, lying or sitting position. The patient is asked to hold their breath while the x-rays are being taken. If a child is examined, the specialist himself chooses the optimal time for the procedure.

It is also worth noting that at present there are two approaches to performing the study - survey and sighting radiography. A survey x-ray examination of the lungs means taking pictures in two projections: frontal and lateral. Aiming technique consists in focusing the device on a certain area.

Analysis of X-ray images of the lungs

The results of X-ray examination are presented in one of three options:

on paper (allowed if no pathologies are found);
on a special film (printed on a special high-resolution printer);
directly in digital form (occurs only in the case of radiography), and not only in a standard graphic format, but also in DICOM or RAW formats, with a specialized viewer program placed on disk.

The fundamental difference between "medical" files and "classical" ones is that special graphic formats allow storing incomparably more information in a file, which becomes visible to the human eye after applying filters and limiters provided by viewer programs.

By examining an image created by divergent X-beams, radiologists analyze areas of clearing and darkening. Starting the protocol for describing the radiograph of the lungs, the radiologist, first of all, indicates in which projection the image was taken.

Then the absence of focal and infiltrative shadows is mentioned. The presence of focal blackouts indicates damage to the lungs by a tumor, tuberculosis, or an occupational disease (asbestosis, talcosis, silicosis). Infiltrative shadows, if present, signal pneumonia, edema, or helminthic invasion.

If there are no disturbances in blood supply and circulation in the small and large circles, there are no cavity and cystic formations, congestion is not observed, the description protocol contains the phrase that the pulmonary pattern is not deformed and has a clear shape.

The phrase about the structure of the roots of the lungs, the absence of their expansion indicates the absence of additional shadows that can affect the "course" of the pulmonary artery and the enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes. Changes seen here may indicate sarcoidosis, swollen lymph nodes, pulmonary congestion, and mediastinal tumors.

The presence of a shadow of the mediastinum without features will indicate that the specialist did not find additional formations visible from behind the sternum. The absence of a mention of “plus shadows” on a picture taken in frontal projection cannot guarantee the absence of tumors. If the formation is small and not of a bone structure, then it can be hidden by both the sternum and the heart. Sometimes even a side shot is not able to clarify the situation.

The analysis of the x-ray image of the lungs of a healthy person ends with a message about the unchanged diagram, the free state of the costophrenic sinuses and the absence of visible pathologies.

Image quality and diagnosis accuracy

The main reason for incorrect interpretation of the lung image is dynamic blur. In other words, the pulsation of large vessels and respiration affect the clarity of the visible contours of the formations. Proper shutter speed, powerful modern equipment, correct consideration of the distance between the object and the focus can prevent this distortion. To obtain an accurate picture, an x-ray of the lungs is performed in 2 projections. If the patient has a preliminary diagnosis that needs to be clarified, an aiming image is taken. This slightly increases the radiation dose, but the accuracy of the result is worth it.

The radiologist must also remember that synthetic fibers, metal objects, and a thick tuft of hair (in women with long hair) can distort or reduce the transparency of the tops of the lung fields.

The main pathologies detected by X-ray of the lungs:

large focal blackouts signal pneumonia or bronchial tumors;
small focal blackouts are a sign of focal forms of pneumonia or tuberculosis;
a large round shadow in the lungs indicates a tumor in the lung or a tuberculous process that is gaining momentum;
a cavity in the lung is a clear sign of decomposition of lung tissues, characteristic of an abscess, decay of a tumor or focus of tuberculosis;
fluid in the pleural cavity is a sign of pleurisy or neoplasm;
flattening of the diaphragm indicates the presence of emphysema;
frequent small lesions indicate tuberculosis or sarcoside.

It is also possible to find a large number of minor pathologies of the lungs and lung tissues, which, with a comprehensive analysis, can clarify the patient's diagnosis. The picture will become complete after assessing the volume of the lungs, the location of their roots, the degree of airiness of the bronchi and other physiological indicators. As you can see, digital radiography allows you to quickly and clearly conduct the most complex studies and make an accurate diagnosis in a few minutes.

Monday, 04/23/2018

Editorial opinion

Medical technologies do not stand still, and the passage of a digital x-ray is gradually becoming a common thing for Russian citizens. When choosing a clinic, it is worth evaluating not so much the quality of the equipment (it is difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish between an X-ray machine of the latest and the penultimate generation), but the professionalism of diagnosticians and the organization of the study. You must be recorded, the procedure carried out just in time, the results must be provided, which are accompanied by a comprehensive description, not only in printed form, but also in digital form.