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Many parents are calmer when the pediatrician, after taking a correct medical history and an adequate physical examination, asks your child for a complementary test.
But, beyond other considerations, it must be taken into account that some of these tests may not be as beneficial as they appear, such is the case of the X-rays in children who, Although they do not hurt, it is something that generates many doubts in parents in case they can affect the health of the child.
A x-ray in children, as its name suggests, it assumes that the little one is going to be exposed to a dose of radiation. Do all X-rays suppose the same radiation dose? Does the TAC radiate? Is there any radiological test that does not radiate the child? What are the safest scans? We are going to talk to you about that on our site
What are X-rays?
X-rays are beams of ionizing radiation capable of passing through the human body. When crossing the different structures that make up the body, these rays undergo an alteration. As a result of this alteration, 2D images of black, white and gray colors are generated, which allow us to identify the bones, the heart, the lungs, the trachea, the gas of the intestine and a long etcetera.
What is a CT scan?
It is a machine that uses a large dose of X-rays, and through which the different parts of the body can be seen in three dimensions, with great precision.
Is a child who does not have an X-ray completely exempt from the action of radiation?
Fake. Anyone is exposed to so-called background radiation on a daily basis. It comes from building materials, cosmic radiation, air, and water. That is, by the mere fact of living on Earth, we are all exposed to some radiation.
Background radiation serves as a standard for comparing the magnitude of radiation generated by different radiological examinations. Thus, for example, a chest X-ray is equivalent to an exposure of 1 day of natural radiation, while a scan is equivalent to an exposure of up to 10 months of this natural radiation.
Do X-rays cause cancer?
In some studies with large populations there appears to be a minimal increase in cancer risk, especially in children. The dose threshold above which cancer can develop is not well defined. Therefore, it seems reasonable to apply logic and common sense, and not request radiological examinations on a whim, but when they are really necessary.
In this sense, it should be noted that imaging tests can help select the best therapeutic option, avoid surgeries and speed up the patient's recovery. Therefore, when indicated, they have to be done.
What are the tests that generate the most radiation?
In order from highest to lowest: body scan, skull scan, contrast tests, abdominal x-ray, pelvis x-ray, spine x-ray, chest x-ray, and upper and lower limb x-ray.
Is there a radiological examination that does not use ionizing radiation?
Yes, ultrasound and MRI are non-invasive techniques that do not radiate, and therefore are exempt from the risks derived from ionizing radiation.
You can read more articles similar to Risks of X-rays in Children That Concern Parents, in the category of Childhood Diseases on site.
