Almost every adult person has undergone fluorography (FLG) at least once in his life, and approximately knows what he is talking about. The results of this procedure are necessary when applying for a job, educational institutions, for parents when taking a child to kindergarten, as well as to be present at some medical events, for example, childbirth.

FLG is fast, inexpensive, painless, and most importantly, informative method, which is performed in all public and private diagnostic institutions. Given all the advantages of the study, there are still a lot of opinions that oppose its regular conduct for preventive purposes.

For a clear understanding of the seriousness of the situations, it is necessary to understand in detail what the fluorography of the lungs shows and why refusing the procedure can be a health hazard? This is quite simple to do, comparing the benefits and harms of exposure x-rays used to perform diagnostics.

The essence and benefits of the study

It is almost no secret to anyone that fluorography is an X-ray method for studying organs. chest especially the lungs and heart. In fact, the technique is very simple. The so-called photo is obtained as a result of exposure to x-rays, which, passing through the human body, are reflected from a special screen.

Fluorography of the lungs differs from conventional x-rays in a much lower radiation exposure. The radiation used in FLG also has lower hardness. The dose that the examined people receive in this case is approximately equal to that of people who are exposed to the street for several days under the hot spring sun.

Fact! According to many scientists, not a single source of both foreign and domestic medical literature does not provide information on a causal relationship between the frequent passage of FLH and the development of malignant neoplasms.

According to numerous studies, a person flying on a transatlantic flight from the USA to Europe is exposed to 0.05 mSv of radiation, which clearly corresponds to the dose during a fluorographic examination. And at such moments, no one thinks about the dangers of X-ray exposure.

In addition to the low dose this species The procedure has other advantages compared to conventional x-rays. Firstly, FLG is done faster, secondly, the images used in such a study are much cheaper, and thirdly, the area under study is larger, which makes it possible to detect pathologies in several organs at a time.

What can be seen in the picture?

It is generally accepted that chest fluorography makes it possible to see the state of only the lungs and heart. This is even evidenced by the invariable medical stamp, which is affixed to all patients without diseases of these organs - "Lungs and heart without visible pathology." But to an experienced specialist, the X-ray photograph created during the FLG will tell a lot.

This kind of picture will show the lungs, the shadow of the heart muscle with the pericardium (the pericardial sac), the shadow of the spine. Sometimes the doctor can see the trachea, part of the esophagus, large bronchi and even the diaphragm on fluorography. But at the same time, of course, in relation to the lungs and heart, the picture is the most informative.

When studying the image, the doctor checks the captured organs for the presence or absence of changes caused by pathological processes, notes whether there are structural lesions of the lungs, and whether the heart muscle is enlarged. In addition, such an examination can show neoplasms or atypical shady areas to an experienced specialist, which is often a consequence of the development of certain diseases.

Fluorography is a rapid screening method that makes it possible to assess the condition of the chest organs. It is considered very important that diagnostics reveals pathologies on early stages making treatment faster and more efficient. Many people only after FLH became aware of the presence of a disease that did not manifest any symptoms.

Main objectives of the study

Often, when receiving a referral, patients are indignant about why fluorography is needed or simply do not fully understand the importance of regular examinations. But this diagnosis is one of the simplest, most inexpensive and, no less valuable, quick ways identify pneumonia, tuberculosis or neoplasms of a different nature.

It should not be forgotten that pneumonia in almost all cases is accompanied by severe symptoms, such as cough, heat etc. Therefore, this disease is not difficult to determine, and fluorography is necessary only to confirm the alleged diagnosis, which cannot be said about tuberculosis and cancer.

Oncological processes and tuberculosis often do not manifest themselves for a long time, that is, they do not give doctors the opportunity to recognize them on initial stages when the likelihood of a favorable prognosis with therapy is high. The only way out for patients with such diseases is to undergo fluorography, and as soon as possible.

How often should you check?

All adults should undergo fluorography, with a few exceptions. In addition, there are certain categories of the population who, due to their work or life circumstances it is necessary to do FLG at least once a year.

These include the following individuals:

• Professionals whose activities are associated with the threat of contracting tuberculosis or infecting others. This group includes medical workers, as well as persons working in specialized institutions such as kindergartens, schools or employed in the trade and food industry.
• Patients at medical risk. This includes people with serious illnesses, dangerous for the patients themselves and/or for those around them. These are the people who suffer diabetes, pulmonary pathologies who have an immunodeficiency status, including HIV, as well as serious illnesses digestive system such as hepatitis and colitis. Due to weakened general condition it is very easy for these patients to become infected with tuberculosis, which they will develop rapidly.
• People constituting a social risk group. These are persons who abuse alcohol, psychotropic or drugs leading an asocial lifestyle, without a fixed place of residence, as well as former convicts and those who were in places of deprivation of liberty.

For other citizens, the rules established by the Ministry of Health state that it is necessary to pass the FLG at least once every two years. It also states that in case of contact with a patient with tuberculosis for two years, one should be observed by a phthisiatrician, passing x-ray examination chest organs once every six months.

Important! If a person who has been in contact with a person suffering from tuberculosis has a question about how many times FLG can be done, and whether it will be harmful to the body, then he should explain how difficult and long the therapy of the disease itself is.

Chondroma of the lung is one of the benign neoplasms detected in FLH.

Contraindications

The list of categories of people for whom this type of diagnosis is undesirable is quite small. It is mainly due to certain life situations or circumstances. This includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as minor patients. In addition, the procedure is not prescribed for respiratory failure, occurring in severe form, as well as patients who cannot stay in vertical position, that is, lying down, because they do fluorography while standing.

Preparation and holding

Diagnostics does not require special or complex tedious preparation. The only thing that the doctor will recommend on the eve of the procedure is to refrain from smoking for several hours and light breakfast if the examination is scheduled for the next morning. The whole procedure, including undressing and dressing, will take no more than 5 minutes.

Step by step it will look something like this:

• the patient is invited to a special room designed to take a picture;
• he undresses to the waist, approaches the apparatus, and rises to a low step;
• the chin is located in a recess, approximately corresponding to the average height of a person;
• the subject is warned against the need to hold his breath for a minute and not move;
• the nurse turns on the device, the picture is taken, the procedure is over.

In some situations, a protective apron is used during fluorography, which covers the organs located in the lower part from radiation. abdominal cavity. The test results are usually ready the next day.

What diseases can be diagnosed?

Most people think that FLG is only used to check the lungs for tuberculosis and do not know what diseases can be recognized with just one image. Indeed, the fluorographic method is able to provide comprehensive information about such a pathology, but this is far from all of its capabilities. Then why is this procedure needed?

Its results help diagnose other lung diseases, as well as mammary glands. So, according to the results of the diagnostics, the following can be identified:

• neoplasms of both benign and malignant nature;
• areas of the inflammatory process (when it spreads to a large volume of tissues);
• pathologically formed cavities - cysts, abscesses, cavities, and it is also determined what they are filled with - gases or liquid;
• sclerotic changes (replacement of normal connective tissues);
• fibrosis (scar formations and compaction of connective tissues).

If for a long time a person has persistent cough, shortness of breath, general weakness, lethargy, then you should definitely undergo a fluorography to exclude tuberculosis or pneumonia. According to fluorography, it is possible to determine anatomical features of cardio-vascular system and respiratory organs, some diseases that can sometimes have a non-standard clinical picture.

For example, foreign objects in respiratory tract are not always accompanied by typical symptoms, so doctors find it difficult to make a diagnosis. But a timely FLG quickly helps to determine the causes of certain pathological manifestations. The procedure is indispensable for the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms and, in particular, central lung cancer.

This disease is characterized for a long time develop hidden and not affecting the patient's condition in any way, since the lung tissues themselves are not exposed to pain. And only when a person begins to feel certain symptoms, the disease may already be at a stage at which surgical intervention not carried out. To latently developing pathologies includes sarcoidosis of the lungs and lymph nodes chest area.

Fluoroscopy does not take much time

Conclusion

The role of fluorographic diagnostics cannot be overestimated. Thanks to this procedure, many people were able to get qualified help on time, which saved them from serious complications. Do not hesitate for a long time if there are any the smallest symptoms, indicating a violation of the functioning of the chest organs, and you should immediately sign up for an examination.

Also, we must not forget the importance of regular preventive check-ups, because by spending only a couple of hours or even less on a trip to the hospital, you can protect yourself from dangerous diseases.

Tuberculosis is a very dangerous and very common disease. In order to identify it, a procedure is performed - fluorography. This fast method diagnostics, which allows you to determine the presence of structural and other changes in the lungs, as well as other organs of the chest and blood vessels. The procedure does not require special training and takes a minimum of time. The study is recommended for every adult and is carried out at least once a year. For people with the presence of diseases, the study is performed more often to monitor the dynamics of the development of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. After reviewing the information below, you will learn how the procedure goes, what are its advantages and disadvantages, as well as deciphering the indicators.

Indications for fluorography

Fluorography of the lungs - diagnostic method examination of the chest organs, which is based on x-rays. As a rule, a procedure is performed to detect the development of tuberculosis. Fluorography refers to a mass study, since it allows you to conduct a survey of thousands of people per day, provided normal operation device.
Conducting research has its advantages and disadvantages. The latter include: high dose exposure; old devices do not always allow you to get the highest quality and accurate picture, as well as to detect film defects in a timely manner.

TO positive aspects the procedure includes:

• Minimum time, labor and material costs.
• High information content during mass screening of people for tuberculosis.
• Modern devices have the ability to send images over the Internet, as well as compare them with previous patient studies.

It is necessary to conduct fluorography in such cases:

• For the annual preventive examination for the detection of tuberculosis. Once a year, every person who has reached the age of 18 must undergo a procedure to make sure that there is no disease. Mandatory is fluorography for: future students; medical workers, educational institutions and places of public catering; women preparing for motherhood and all who live with them; visitors sports clubs and pools; military conscripts.
• To detect inflammatory processes in the lungs of a fungal or bacterial nature.
• In order to determine the presence of tumor formations, not only in the lungs, but also on the heart, large blood vessels.
• To detect foreign bodies in the chest area.
• To determine the structural, dimensional changes in the lung tissue, the formation of cavities, the presence of air accumulation in the lungs.

Fluorography helps to determine the presence of changes in the lungs and helps in making a diagnosis. If negative processes are identified during the study, then additional research e.g. X-ray, CT, MRI.
Fluorography is not performed for the following categories of persons:

• Women during the period of bearing a child (especially up to 25 weeks).
• Children under 15 years old (from 16 to 18 only if there are serious indications).
• Lying patients who cannot even a short time take a vertical position.
• People with respiratory failure.
• Patients with claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces).

How to prepare for fluorography and the procedure for its implementation

Fluorography does not require special training, the only requirement is to refrain from smoking for several hours before the procedure.
Basic research principles:

Deciphering the results of fluorography

The procedure allows you to identify the following changes in the lung tissue and other organs of the chest:

Fluorography is a quick and simple (although not entirely safe) method for detecting tuberculosis and other diseases or pathological changes in the lungs and other organs of the chest. It is obligatory carried out once a year, does not require specific preparation, and informative results are ready within a few days.

Everyone knows about fluorography. For some reason, when you first go to the clinic, not even about a cold, the therapist makes you go through this procedure. Is fluorographic research really that important? Why he is prescribed, what can be seen in the picture, and whether the patient receives a dose of radiation, as well as other facts - in this article.

Fluorography is one of the diagnostic methods based on the properties of x-rays. They are unique. Unlike others, the X-ray beam is not reflected or refracted. Passing through the human body, they are to some extent absorbed by the tissues.

Radiation is generated in a special tube and passes in a given direction. hard tissues(for example, bones) completely absorb them, and voids do not delay them. Soft substances, depending on the density, partially transmit rays. The finishing point for the flow is a fluorescent screen, which, using special optics, transmits the image onto the negative film. So, bone structures are displayed on it in white, cavities - in black, organs - in different shades of gray. On the basis of the picture obtained with the help of a fluorograph, the doctor draws conclusions about the correspondence of the seen X-ray anatomy of a healthy person.

Types of fluorography

There are two types of fluorography: film and digital. The fundamental difference between them lies in the point of fixation of the image. If in the first version it is a film, then in the second it is a more sensitive digital matrix.

Classical x-ray equipment is still ubiquitous in public hospitals and clinics. But gradually more and more medical institutions equipped with modern electronic installations.

Digital fluorography has a number of advantages over film fluorography:

• excellent image detail;
• low radiation dose. Since the matrix is ​​more sensitive, the duration of the ray flux is also reduced;
• high performance;
• low cost of one procedure. It is worth noting here that in many clinics the price of digital diagnostics can be higher than the standard one. This is not due to the high current costs of the session, but rather the desire of the owners to “recapture” the cost of the equipment, which, indeed, costs a lot;
• storage and transmission of results in electronic form.

Why do you need fluorography

The main object of fluorography is the chest area, where the state of the lungs, heart, mammary glands, and less often bones are studied. This study belongs more to the group of screening than diagnostic. Its goal is to identify dangerous diseases in the initial stages, when it is not yet manifested. clinical symptoms. The method is effective for early diagnosis of tuberculosis, pneumonia, malignant tumors.

With a preventive purpose, fluorography is mandatory:

• all citizens who have reached the age of 16 - at least once every two years;
• patients of any medical institutions during the initial treatment;
• people living together with a woman who is registered for pregnancy, as well as with newborn children;
• young people who are called up for military service (fixed-term or under contract);
• patients with confirmed HIV.

Unscheduled fluorography is prescribed for suspected:

• pneumonia, pleurisy and others inflammatory processes in the lungs and surrounding organs;
• tumor in the lungs and mediastinum;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• diseases of the lungs and coronary vessels.

Contraindications for the appointment of a fluorographic examination

Fluorography of the lungs is considered a conditionally safe procedure. "Conditionally" - because it does not provide negative influence on the body when dosed. In addition, there are categories of patients to whom even the minimum dose of ionizing radiation can cause serious harm. These include:

• pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. During this period, the active growth of the embryo (later - the fetus) takes place, the main organs and systems are laid. The body of a child is very susceptible and vulnerable. x-ray radiation can cause deviations in normal development and provoke a miscarriage. FLG examination is prescribed only in cases where the risk to the health and life of the expectant mother prevails over potential danger for the baby. At the same time, protective measures are taken - the zone reproductive organs the patient is covered with a lead apron;
• children under 14 years old. Due to the lack of evidence of the harmlessness of X-ray diagnostic methods at this age, this norm has been approved by law.

Relative contraindications are severe shortness of breath, a period of exacerbation of chronic diseases of the respiratory system ( Chronical bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.). In such states, the patient is not able to hold his breath, which negatively affects the information content of the results. For objective reasons, the procedure is not performed if it is impossible to be in an upright position and claustrophobia.

The session can be canceled if the total radiation dose of a particular patient has reached the allowable maximum. In such cases, one tries to alternative methods diagnostics.

How to get a fluorography

The passage of fluorography does not cause painful and uncomfortable sensations. This is very simple procedure. No preparation is required to be admitted.

Before doing a fluorography, the patient must remove all clothing and jewelry above the waist (girls too). After that, you need to go into the booth, where the translucence will take place. It is necessary to press your chest tightly against a special screen, and put your chin on the stand. The doctor will make sure that everything is done correctly.

At the command of the radiologist, it is necessary to hold your breath for a short time. This is done to obtain a static image, without artifacts. Usually the picture is taken in two projections, less often in three.

After the session is over, you can get dressed and go out.

How much time is fluorography done

Regardless of the type of fluorography (film or digital), the location of the procedure (in a public clinic or a private medical center), the number of projections performed (direct, lateral, oblique, with a choice of targeted focus), the duration of the session does not exceed several minutes. In a standard situation, when the picture is taken only in frontal and lateral projections, the scanning time is, on average, half a minute.

Deciphering the results: table

The result of fluorography is presented in the form of a transcript, which looks like a set of codes. Each code value means the presence or absence of pathologies in the x-ray. In addition to indicating the assigned code in the final conclusion, the doctor describes the location of the identified deviation.

A list of the most common diseases with a description of its inherent features is given in the table.

A sign of pathology in the picture	Pathological condition
Foci of blackout (single or multiple)	Pneumonia and other inflammatory processes, tuberculosis
Local enlightenments	Emphysema, cavities and other cavities filled with liquids or gases
Abnormal shadows in the mediastinum (interpulmonary zone)	Enlargement of the heart, accumulation of air or fluid in the pleural cavity
Compaction and expansion of the roots (blood vessels, lymph nodes, main bronchus)	Inflammation of the lungs or bronchi, accompanied by vascular edema, swollen lymph nodes
Compaction of the roots (without increasing their size), their heaviness	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), consequences of smoking
Strengthening of the lung pattern (vascular network)	Talks about increased blood circulation. Observed with heart failure, heart defects, mitral stenosis, acute inflammatory processes, cancer, after suffering the flu or a cold (normalizes after a few weeks)
Pleuroapical layers (commissures)	Fixed in the upper part of the organs, indicate the transferred inflammation
Violation of the x-ray anatomy of the sinus (voids formed in the folds of the pleura)	Pleural effusion (presence of fluid in the pleura) is a symptom of other diseases and requires additional examinations. Sealed sinus - a consequence of pleurisy, trauma, and so on
Calcifications	Tissue infection, tuberculosis, focus of helminthic invasion, foreign body
fibrosis (growth connective tissue, scars)	Previously transferred inflammatory disease(pneumonia, tuberculosis), consequences surgical intervention, injury
Aperture shift	Anomalies of the structure, obesity, post-traumatic or post-surgical complication

What does fluorography show

Various deviations from the normal picture, which can be seen as a result of fluorography in the picture, allow the doctor to confirm or refute the preliminary diagnosis. This method of examination of the lungs is the most effective in early diagnosis tuberculosis, when typical symptoms are still absent. In addition, FLG detects the following diseases and conditions:

• inflammation of the respiratory system (pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy) and localization of foci;
• obstructive lesion of the bronchi;
• fibrosis;
• abscesses, cysts, cavities and other non-physiological cavities;
• abnormal accumulation of infiltrate and gases in voids;
• stratification and fusion of the pleura
• hernia and dome of the diaphragm;
• tumors, including lung cancer;
• the presence of foreign bodies in the airways;
• damage to bone and muscle tissue;
• cardiovascular pathologies;
• age-related changes in the lungs.

Norm and deviations on fluorography

Assessing the results of fluorography, the doctor, first of all, concludes that the picture obtained corresponds to the norm:

• the correct location and size of the lungs, the presence of five lobes in each of them;
• lack of fiber visualization;
• homogeneous structure, absence of blackouts in soft tissues and directly in the lungs;
• clear drawing, normal size roots;
• the correct outlines of the shadow of the heart.

Anything that does not correspond to the listed theses is a deviation. Based on the nature of the identified violations, determine the causes of their occurrence. So, if the roots are compacted, and at the same time they are heavy, we can certainly talk about a chronic respiratory disease or the presence of an addiction to smoking in a patient. But if blood vessels- dense, and at the same time expanded, which means that there is an acute inflammatory process. It is important to prevent its chronicity.

Each identified formation or pathology corresponds to a code, which, after deciphering the image, is indicated in the conclusion. For example, “25” is a fluorogram of a healthy person, “5” is a pleural effusion, “21” is a problem in the musculoskeletal system, and “23” is in the cardiovascular systems.

The initial digits of the code indicate the type of deviation, the ones following them indicate its localization.

Causes of spots

Chest fluorography, despite its simplicity and speed, is a very informative study. The spots found in the pictures, their shape and localization, will tell the radiologist about serious (and not so) health problems. The causes of blackouts are:

• pneumonia, bronchitis and other inflammatory processes;
• foci of active tuberculosis, post-tuberculosis changes;
• tumors (benign and malignant);
• pleural effusion;
• abscess;
• connective tissue damage due to trauma;
• natural consequences of smoking.

Pictures are interpreted by a specialized specialist. Based on the contours, size, location and prevalence of the spots, a diagnosis is made.

Deciphering the FLG of the lungs of a smoker

Fluorography or chest x-ray of a patient who is addicted to smoking deanonymizes him bad habit. The image on the picture of the lungs of a smoker differs from the inherent healthy person. Characteristic markers of addiction are thickening of the lung walls and dense, stringy roots. A similar picture is observed in COPD and other chronic diseases lungs. At the same time, a smoker may not have unpleasant symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and similar symptoms.

FAQ

Fluorography, perhaps, can be called the most famous and popular form of diagnosis. However, there is still some misunderstanding. We will reveal the answers to the most common questions about the well-known "stick".

Who makes FLG

The referral for the procedure is usually issued by the therapist. If desired, the examination can be done without a doctor's prescription.

An X-ray laboratory assistant works with a patient in a fluorography room. But the decoding of fluorography is already carried out by a specialized specialist - a radiologist, a pulmonologist, a phthisiatrician.

How much is fluorography valid

The results of fluorography of the chest area are considered valid for 12 months. In the absence of indications, it is not recommended to undergo this radiological examination more often.

There are categories of citizens who need to undergo a preventive FLG examination once every six months. This includes people who are at risk due to an increased risk of infection or the development of occupational respiratory diseases. These are the medical staff of maternity hospitals and anti-tuberculosis dispensaries, workers whose activities are associated with hazardous production (steel industry, rubber, asbestos, mining).

How often can a fluorography be done

Fluorographic examination is a mandatory preventive screening aimed at early detection of tuberculosis and lung cancer. The frequency of its passage for an adult is once in a calendar year, but not less than once every two years. By law, a citizen has the right to refuse FLG, but before making such a decision, one should be aware of all the risks and possible consequences such actions. Some citizens need to take a picture more often due to special conditions of professional activity or health condition.

If the fluorogram turned out to be defective, if you suspect a disease of the respiratory system, accompanied by concomitant symptoms, the doctor refers the patient to the procedure again. There are no clear restrictions on the number of allowed sessions. It is only important not to exceed the value of the permissible annual total radiation dose.

At what age can you pass

Fluorography is allowed to be done to children only after the age of 16, in some states - from the age of 14. In the event that the danger to the life and health of the child in the absence of timely diagnosis exceeds the likely risks of the consequences of exposure, a targeted radiography of the affected area is performed, less often - FLG.

Who needs to undergo a fluorographic examination more often

Fluorography of the lungs every six months should be performed:

• employees of maternity hospitals;
• medical personnel whose activities are related to the treatment of patients with tuberculosis;
• workers employed in the mining industry;
• citizens employed in hazardous industries - the production of rubber, asbestos, steel casting, and the like.

Is an x-ray wrong?

The probability of obtaining unreliable results in the course of any X-ray examinations is negligible. This fact is usually associated with errors made during the scanning process, if the patient did not remain still, foreign objects, such as hair or jewelry, got into the image. The human factor is also not excluded, when the radiologist deciphering the picture incorrectly interpreted the resulting picture.

Fluorography and X-ray of the lungs - what is the difference

Both fluorography and radiography are methods based on the properties of ionizing rays. The principle and algorithm of both procedures are the same. In both cases, the image is obtained on a film or digital matrix after the radiation beam has passed through the tissues of the human body. The difference lies in the fact that the x-ray image is a picture of the organ under study in real size, and the fluorographic image is reduced. This explains the differences in the radiation dose (with FLG it is lower) and the cost of the procedure (X-ray is a little more expensive, since it requires more consumables).

How harmful is the procedure?

Rumors about the dangers of fluorography are greatly exaggerated. Indeed, during the session, the patient is exposed to radiation exposure, but its dose is so small that it is not capable of causing damage to his health. Much more dangerous could be the consequences of not doing this procedure every year.

After fluorography, the patient does not experience discomfort, nothing hurts him.

Radiation dose

In accordance with the requirements set forth in the Decree of the Chief State Doctor of Russia, the annual allowable dose of radiation exposure to the body during the passage medical procedures should not exceed 1 mSv. During fluorography, the patient is exposed to radiation in the following doses (depending on the type of equipment used):

• film FLG on old-style devices - 0.6-0.8 mSv;
• film FLG using modern technology - 0.15-0.25 mSv;
• digital FLG - 0.03-0.06 mSv, on the latest equipment - about 0.002 mSv.

For reference, the critical dose of the received radiation is 700 mSv.

FLH during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy is a period when an X-ray examination can really harm. Especially dangerous is its passage in the first trimester, which is characterized by processes of active growth, laying of the main organs and systems. At this time, intensive cell division of the embryo occurs, and ionizing radiation- a factor that provokes the occurrence of mutations.

For women who are carrying a child, fluorography is prescribed in extreme cases, when there are no alternative, safer methods of diagnosis, and the threat to the health and life of the mother if it is not carried out exceeds the risks to the baby. In this case, it is mandatory to use additional protective equipment in the form of a lead apron covering the area of ​​the patient's reproductive organs.

Fluorography does not affect the quality of mother's milk, so lactation is not considered a contraindication.

Chest fluorography is a preventive screening method for examining the lungs. It involves the X-ray exposure of rays through the human body. Due to the uneven absorption of rays by different tissues, an image is created on an x-ray film, which is studied by a radiologist.

For example, lung tissue is airy, so rays pass through it easily. From bone structures they are reflected. At the interface between these media, a clear image of the anatomical structures is obtained.

Thus, doctors manage to obtain visualization of pathological foci of the lungs and mediastinum.

Types of fluorography

Fluorography of the chest organs is divided into digital and film. The first type has recently become widespread. In comparison with the classical analogue, it has a number of advantages. The most important of them is the reduction of radiation exposure to humans.

According to the decree of the Ministry of Health, each person must undergo a screening fluorographic examination annually.

What does a chest x-ray show?

The study shows a lack serious illnesses lungs - tuberculosis, oncological formations and sarcoidosis. The survey allows you to detect smaller blackouts.

In any case, after detecting pathological x-ray symptoms on fluorography, an additional x-ray examination is necessary ().

As a result, fluorography chest cavity is preventive method. If a pathology is detected on a digital or film image, additional studies are needed. However, they are carried out some time after the initial exposure.

This approach makes it possible to reduce the dose of simultaneous radiation exposure to humans. Any problems with the respiratory system while using the procedure are hypothetical. You should not worry too much if the radiologist invited you for a second x-ray examination after performing fluorography (FLG).

When prescribed together with x-ray

X-ray and fluorography in combination are used for the following purposes:

• definition of chest diseases: cancer, tuberculosis, obstructive disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax;
• identifying the causes of shortness of breath and cough;
• diagnosis of heart disease, aortic enlargement, atherosclerosis and heart valve damage;
• assessment of the consequences of traumatic injuries of the chest wall: ;
• study of foreign bodies in the esophagus, stomach and pulmonary system;
• monitoring the correct location of endotracheal tubes in the trachea in the intensive care unit.

Even in the absence of diseases in the respiratory system, annual preventive FLG is necessary, since some nosological forms of pathology do not manifest themselves. clinical symptoms, but their early detection can prevent the progression of the disease.

How is a chest x-ray performed?

Fluorography of the lungs is a painless procedure. It does not require any prior preparation.

The dose of radiation that is obtained when performing these methods is practically safe. It is comparable to an airplane flight over a distance of 2,500 kilometers.

The exposure hazard is only if the procedure is performed during pregnancy.

Usually x-ray examination and fluorography of the chest are carried out in a standing position. In order for the image to turn out to be of high quality, it should be done with a breath hold.

Before the examination, the radiologist will tell you about all the intricacies of the procedure. It will be necessary to remove all metal objects and hold your breath for a few seconds during the exposure. Fluorography presents no other difficulties. The procedure does not take much time, but can save a life. We do not recommend avoiding it.

Duration and frequency of examinations

You need to undergo fluorography with the following frequency:

1. once a year, fluorography is recommended for the entire population;
2. twice FLG is recommended for employees of tuberculosis dispensaries, maternity hospitals, and sanatoriums.

The radiation exposure during the study is 0.01 mS in (millisievert). This dose is quite small. The effective dosage for digital FLG is on average no more than 0.04 μSv. The permissible level of exposure for 10 years will not exceed 1 m3 c.

Another thing is if a person does during the year and performs other X-ray methods. The radiation load in such a situation exceeds the maximum allowable dose.

With this approach, you should find out which is better - FLG or X-ray.

FLG or radiography - which is better

Fluorography and X-rays are high-quality methods that are aimed at identifying diseases of the chest. They differ in dose and image resolution. Fluorography is characterized by low radiation exposure, but the image in the picture is not very high quality. Nevertheless, it is enough to suggest the presence of pathology. In the future, it will be necessary to supplement FLG with chest radiography in order to diagnose the disease.

However, due to the high radiation load, X-rays cannot be used for screening the entire population.

Thus, if you do not have lung disease, it is better to perform fluorography. If a disease is suspected, it will be more rational to perform an x-ray.

Fluorography allows you to sufficiently informatively examine primarily the lungs. It is completely harmless to undergo this procedure once a year, because modern fluorography devices give a very small radiation dose, which explains this diagnostic manipulation in comparison with a standard radiograph.

With the help of this examination, it is possible to identify such dangerous diseases as pulmonary tuberculosis, malignant neoplasms, pneumonia, emphysema. You can also determine bronchial diseases (bronchitis, bronchial asthma) and pathology of the heart (pericarditis, cardiomyopathy).

Visually, light and dark zones are determined on the fluorogram. It depends on the degree of absorption of x-rays by organs and tissues. So, the heart and bronchi in the picture are light, and the tissues of the lungs are dark, because they contain a lot of air.

When describing the image, the radiologist draws attention to the structure of the lung tissue: the degree of air saturation (pneumatization), homogeneity, the presence of pathological inclusions. When describing the bronchial tree, the pattern of the bronchi, their patency, and the presence of formations on the walls are evaluated. When evaluating the heart shadow, the doctor evaluates the size of the heart, its location, the density and thickness of the walls of the heart and blood vessels.

It is curious that the light zones on the x-ray image are a shadow or darkening, and the dark ones, respectively, are light areas. This terminology is related to the fact that, at its core, an X-ray image is a negative, which means that everything is “on the contrary” on it.

What can be learned from a fluorographic image?

What can the radiologist see in the picture, and what conditions can this indicate? Here are the most common wordings for describing fluorographic images:
- pneumatization of the lungs is not disturbed, the lungs and heart are without pathology - that there are no pathological processes in the lungs;
- the roots of the lungs are stringy, the vascular pattern is strengthened - this happens when chronic diseases bronchi, when their walls become denser;
- focal darkening - it means that in the lungs there is pathological process, limited to a certain area;
- darkening of the lobe of the lung, that is, a major pathological process.

Let's talk more about focal changes

Focal changes are a small area of ​​blackout on an x-ray. If they are located in the upper lobes of the lungs, then the doctor will suspect tuberculosis, and if in the lower lobes, then focal pneumonia will be under suspicion. But we must not forget that the oncological process can affect any lung lobe. Just like foci can be described - calcified areas of the lungs. Rather, a pathological process, for example, tuberculosis, began to organize in this place, but the body “neutralized” it, covering it with a shell of calcium.

With extensive darkening in the lower lobes of the lungs, severe pneumonia is implied, affecting a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe lung.

These are the most common pathologies that can be. Therefore, you need to regularly undergo an examination: it will not take much time, but it will help save your health!

Sources:

• What do the results of fluorography tell. What is there to be afraid of?

Advice 2: Why is it important to undergo a fluorographic examination

All residents of Russia, according to the order of the Ministry of Health, are required to undergo an annual fluorographic examination. This is necessary in order to identify the presence or absence of dangerous diseases.

With the appearance of diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia, a person is most often worried about chest pain, high fever,. The doctor will immediately be able to make a diagnosis without forcing the patient to undergo any additional examinations. Another thing is cancer and tuberculosis. The signs of the latter are reminiscent of the flu, so they are most often ignored, taking them as indicators of colds.

But you can track the first appearance of tuberculosis. To do this, it is enough to undergo a fluorographic examination once or twice a year. At the earliest stage, this disease can be cured, the patient has every chance of recovery. The therapist can not always hear the patient, but on the fluorogram he will distinguish everything down to the smallest detail.

In the picture, you can see small foci of tuberculosis in the event that the disease is disseminated. Small particles gradually merge into larger formations - infiltrates, and those, in turn, can form a cavity. The presence of the latter means that the lung tissue began to break down due to malfunctions. It is patients with a cavity that are themselves dangerous to others, so they need to be isolated as soon as possible.

In the event that the patient raises any doubts with the radiologist, layered images are taken. If necessary, the patient can get a consultation at the TB dispensary. The danger of tuberculosis lies in the fact that it can occur in a latent form. The same goes for oncological diseases which are even more difficult to trace.

That is why it is necessary to undergo fluorography every year. Some people think that a fluorographic examination is dangerous to health due to radiation from an x-ray machine, but in fact the radiation dose is quite small. It is forbidden to undergo fluorography only for small and women.