Why is radiography dangerous?
Radiography - like any research method in medicine - is not 100% safe.
This radiation belongs to the group of ionizing radiation, which means that, passing through the tissues of the body, it causes a violation of the energy stability of atoms. This, in turn, leads to a change in the protein molecules that make up the cell, a change in their spatial structure and the termination of the function. This is a very simplified chain of events in a cell.
Cell death is possible only with prolonged exposure; with short-term research, the danger is minimized.
The essence of the research method
The simplest X-ray source consists of a tube that encloses the cathode and anode. For tubes in medicine, high accuracy is important, which is achieved by focusing X-rays at certain points.
The mechanism of the appearance of bremsstrahlung X-ray radiation can be explained as follows. The induction of a magnetic field in an X-ray tube is related to the speed of an electron moving in the field. When the electrons flying from the cathode to the anode are decelerated, X-rays are generated in this field. The beam emitted from the tube passes through the body, lingering in different tissues with different intensities (this explains the different colors of the lungs and bones, for example, on radiographs). Bone tissue holds the ray more strongly, as it is hard and dense, so bones look almost white on radiographs.
The lungs do not hold the beam, it flies through them and the lungs are visible darker. Flying through the body, the beam hits the photographic paper, where it leaves a trace. Many of these passing rays form an image.
X-ray machines belong to the group of intermittent sources. Permanent sources are not used as they are dangerous.
How does X-ray radiation affect the body?
X-ray radiation is a type of ionizing radiation that causes a change in the protein molecules of the irradiated cells. In some cases, the cell may die (if the radiation acted on it for several hours in a row).
Modern equipment for carrying out X-ray studies reduces the risk of negative effects on the patient's and doctor's body.
Permissible doses and number of studies per year
X-ray department staff are in direct contact with sources of ionizing radiation that generate X-rays. During the study, the patient DOES NOT RECEIVE a dose greater than the admissible dose for a biological object.
The annual allowable dose for medical research per person per year is 1 mSv.
For the safety of the population, the "Radiation Safety Standards" - NRB-99/2009 were introduced.
How often can a child be x-rayed?
X-rays affect dividing and growing cells. Children should only perform research on strict indications after a doctor's appointment, if there is no other alternative. X-ray of the lungs of a child is an affordable and quick way to confirm the disease, which is necessary for the timely appointment of the correct treatment.
If there is a choice, then preference is given to non-radiation research methods - ultrasound, MRI. Or the choice falls on CT, with the condition of reducing the time the child spends in the apparatus.
The admissible contact with the X-ray tube is 0.02 seconds, the admissible annual dose is 1 mSv.
In each case, the doctor considers the total dose of radiation received by the body and will not exceed it without indication.
Is the study allowed for pregnant and lactating women?
X-ray radiation can adversely affect the fetus, therefore the field of application of X-rays in obstetrics and gynecology is limited. At the end of pregnancy, the study is safer for the fetus, since it has reached a high level of its development (maturity).
In exceptional situations when there is a threat to the life of the mother or child, the doctor prescribes an X-ray examination. The disease may be associated (in childbirth, suspicion of a discrepancy between the size of the mother's pelvis and the fetal head) and not associated with pregnancy (for example, an accident).
X-rays are safe for breastfeeding women. X-rays do not affect the composition and quality of milk.
Indications for performing an X-ray
With a very large number of nosologies, this research method is used, it is not possible to list the entire ICD-10 in the article, therefore several examples will be indicated for each item.
X-rays may be taken under the following conditions:
- lung diseases: pneumonia, bronchitis, COPD, tuberculosis, etc. for accurate diagnosis between a variety of lung diseases;
- injuries and diseases of bones and joints: bone fractures (open, closed, compression), joint dislocations, ligament ruptures, herniated intervertebral discs, non-inflammatory and inflammatory diseases of the joints, etc.;
- cholelithiasis: the X-ray shows the gallbladder, signs of inflammation and the presence / absence of stones in it;
- diseases of the urinary system: urolithiasis, enlargement of the renal pelvis, neoplasms from different tissues, etc.;
- gynecological diseases;
- gastrointestinal diseases: acute intestinal obstruction, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, stomach neoplasms, etc.;
- in dentistry for the treatment and prosthetics of teeth.
Where is the X-ray performed?
Radiography can be performed both in a hospital setting and in a polyclinic in specially equipped rooms.
Some private clinics provide x-rays.
How to minimize the negative effects of X-rays?
Already in the X-ray room, safety measures are taken to reduce the effect of radiation on the body. The principle of "screen protection" is applied: a special leaded apron is put on the patient to protect the organs not subject to examination from the influence of radiation.
Protection by time, distance, quantity in medicine is not widespread.
How to behave before and after X-rays? Tips
- Radiography of the lungs does not require special preparation, so it is enough just to come for an examination.
- Radiography of the abdominal cavity organs, small pelvis can be performed with contrast. This method requires preparation, the algorithm of which is reported by the doctor.
- X-rays of bones do not require preparation, as well as X-rays of the lungs.
With frequent X-ray examinations, a diet that includes an abundant amount of warm liquid, honey, vegetable oil, prunes, oatmeal, rice, milk can help reduce harm to the body. These products can be consumed after the X-ray, one day of such a diet is enough.
Conclusion
X-rays are ionizing rays that, if handled carelessly, can harm the body. Subject to safety precautions and not exceeding the total permissible doses, the safety of the study for the patient is guaranteed.
X-rays can be done on men and women over the age of 18. Pregnant women should not take X-rays unless they are vitally important, as they may harm the fetus. The same applies to children - if you can do without X-rays - you should refrain from this method.
This method was invented a long time ago, but so far, in some cases, it is the only fast and safe method for visualizing internal injuries and the state of organs and systems.
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