These images show the various structures of the patient’s body in different shades of black and white, the reason for this contrast is because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. The tissues that absorb the most radiation will look white as is the case of bones, those who absorb a moderate amount of radiation will look gray, an example of this will be fatty or soft tissues, the lungs will usually look black because they are filled with air, and air absorbs very little radiation.
X-Rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves, in medicine, these are used to create pictures or images of the inside of a patient's body.
What Are X-Rays Used For?
There are different types of x ray machines and each has a different purpose, for instance, mammogram machines utilize x-rays to examine breasts for possible tumors, while other x ray machines are used to diagnose broken bones.
In an emergency room setting, doctors will order an x-ray examination to evaluate the area where the patient is experiencing discomfort or pain, and depending on the results, an appropriate course of treatment will be decided.
When are X-Ray Examinations Recommended?
Again, x-rays have a wide range of uses, but doctors may call for an x-ray evaluation to diagnose the following conditions:
- Bone Fractures
- Digestive Problems including Stomach or Intestine Perforations
- Diagnose Kidney, Bladder, and Gallstones
- Blocked Blood Vessels
- Enlarged Heart
- Several Conditions Affecting the Lungs including Pneumonia
- Locate Swallowed Items
- Diagnose Hirschsprung Disease in Children (A condition causing a blockage of the large intestine).
What Are the Benefits of X-Ray Examinations?
The discovery of X-rays and the invention of the different x-ray machines represented a major advance in the medical field. Today x ray imaging exams are recognized as valuable tools in the emergency room, allowing doctors to quickly assess the severity of patient injuries and diagnosing potential life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Among the many benefits of x-rays, we have:
- X-ray examinations are painless and non-invasive
- The amount of radiation to which a patient is exposed is minimal
- The Images provide valuable diagnostic information for physicians
- Results from an x-ray examination are available within minutes