2023-11-08 16:00:00
What is a chest or chest x-ray?
The chest or chest x-ray is a painless and quick examination. It consists of producing an x-ray film in order to visualize the differences in density at the level of the thorax organs.
Chest x-ray is prescribed when the doctor suspects respiratory, spinal or cardiac disease.
The areas visualized are:
- lungs;
- the trachea;
- bronchi ;
- the heart ;
- large vessels such as the aorta and pulmonary arteries;
- vertebrae and ribs.
On the film, the bones (hard areas) appear white while the air will appear black and the soft tissues more or less dark gray. The results are interpreted by the doctor.
Indications: when to request a chest x-ray?
The doctor prescribes this examination when he suspects a disease in the thorax such as:
- A bacterial or fungal lung infection (pneumococcus, tuberculosis, mushroom…). Standard chest radiography is not indicated in cases of suspected COVID-19 pneumonia (in this case, chest CT is preferred);
- A bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi);
- And lung cancer or respiratory tract;
- Apleurisy(presence of fluid between the 2 layers of the pleura);
- Andpneumothorax (abnormal air pocket in the pleural cavity);
- An abnormality in the vertebrae, ribs or heart (cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, cardiac decompensation, valve disorder etc.)
The signs which may give rise to this examination are:
- Of the pain in the rib cage ;
- A cough with possibly persistent fever;
- A abnormal pulmonary auscultation ;
- And shortness of breath And. or some breathing difficulties.
Let us add that chest x-rays may be prescribed in the event ofworsening of asthma or COPD (the objective is to find the cause of the exacerbation such as an infection). In this case the x-ray can be carried out in the emergency room.
Chest x-ray: how to prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is not necessary to have a chest x-ray.
You must go to the imaging center at the appointment time with the necessary documents:
- l’prescription who prescribes the examination;
- the vital card ;
- The letter delivered by the prescribing doctor;
- The radiological file (scanner, x-ray, etc.);
- The report of a possible surgery.
If you are pregnant or have a specific health problem, consider reporting it so that precautions can be taken accordingly.
You don’t need to fast to have a chest x-ray.
If the examination worries you, do not hesitate to talk to the doctor. He will be able to reassure you and possibly prescribe a tranquilizer if he feels it is necessary.
How does a chest x-ray work?
The exam is painless et fast (on average 15 to 20 minutes) although you can wait in the waiting room.
First, you will be taken to the locker room to undress.
It’s a radio keyer or one radiologist who performs the exam.
You will be in a vertical position between the x-ray tube and the plate containing the film. The examination is carried out in a standing or lying position.
The x-ray tube will move slowly above you. While taking the images, inflate your lungs and hold your breath. Two photos will often be taken: one from the front and the other from the side. Do not move while taking the photos.
When will I get my report? What to expect ?
Once the examination is completed, the radiologist will give you his first comments. He gives you an examination report which he also sends to the prescribing doctor and/or the attending physician.
If this proves necessary, additional examinations will be requested.
Is chest x-ray dangerous?
There are no dangers or side effects from chest x-rays. The examination does not require any injection and the X-rays are safe due to the very low doses used.
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