Are X-Rays Dangerous?

Published on: 16 January 2019 Last Updated on: 21 February 2020
X-Rays

Typically, as a patient who needs an X-ray, you don’t have much say in the matter. It’s a necessary tool to diagnose things like broken bones or other internal issues. And refusing to allow the X-ray could have serious consequences for the state of your care. But it’s still good to know what potential risks you are facing in any procedure.

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is an imaging procedure that uses electromagnetic energy to produce light rays to produce images visible to the naked eye. Basically, an X-ray allows hard matter like bone tissue to show up white in an image. And it shows softer matter like skin in shades of black or gray. This is why it is an effective tool for checking for broken bones. But this emission of energy is called radiation, and it does come with some potential risks.

What are the risks of X-rays?

Any medical procedure or medication is not without some type of risk, and X-rays are no exception. The potential harm from X-rays comes from the exposure to radiation. And, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, the main risk is the increased possibility of cancer. However, the risk is thought to be very small with normal exposure. In other words, receiving routine X-rays from a procedure will probably never result in any harmful side effects. But the risks, of course, could increase with continued exposure.

What procedures expose you to radiation?

X-rays may be used for various conditions besides just broken bones. Doctors also use them to check for things like breast tumors, blocked blood vessels, lung conditions, arthritis and infections. Dentists use them to check for tooth decay and misalignments. Several other types of procedures produce X-ray images. Radiography, for example, uses the smallest amount of radiation and is common for bones. A Computed tomography, or CT scan, produces a 3D image that can be taken in sections. CT scans are common for brain injuries or suspected tumors. And fluoroscopy is used to get real-time images of internal workings. It’s most commonly used to view heart functions.

What precautions can you take to limit exposure?

Because the risk of side effects for X-rays is so minimal, most patients do not require additional protection. But in some cases, a technician may place some sort of protection over certain areas. This is usually only necessary when a patient has already had cancer or has been identified as someone at risk. For example, an X-ray technician might place a lead thyroid shield over a patient’s neck to keep from exposing a thyroid to radiation. This might be done if the patient has or had thyroid cancer. Or they might place a lead apron over areas such as the ovaries or gonads if they will be conducting numerous X-rays on them.

The real risk of radiation exposure is to the personnel continually performing the procedures. X-ray technicians usually perform a number of X-rays every day and are exposed to the rays for many hours. This is why they wear protective gear. Specially designed lead aprons and lead glasses are examples of some of the gear they might use on a daily basis. The X-ray rooms may also be designed with at least one wall containing lead that a technician may stand behind when he or she activates the machine.

All in all, the benefits associated with X-rays far outweighs any potential risk. After all, a physician may be able to save your life by detecting a tumor. And the risk of a tumor being fatal is much greater than the risk of an adverse radiation effect.

Tags

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Benefits of Using Goat Milk Formula for Your Baby

The Benefits of Using Goat Milk Formula for Your Baby

Breastfeeding is the best option for a newborn baby. However, this is not always possible for a variety of reasons. With formula or mixed feeding, many parents choose goat's milk formula for their babies. The increasing demand for such products is that babies well tolerate goat's milk, and it is perfectly digested and helps improve digestion, which is essential for the baby. Composition of goat's milk formula Probiotics - do the job of normalizing the intestinal microflora and help improve digestion; Beta-casein - a protein that prevents dyspepsia, does not provoke allergies and is perfectly absorbed by the baby's digestive system; Lactose is milk sugar; Natural oligosaccharides and nucleotides from goat's milk, which, among other things, help strengthen your baby's immune system; Vitamins PP, A, which help improve metabolism and blood flow in the growing body, as well as having a positive effect on the organs of vision; Minerals, including potassium, iodine, iron, folic acid, as well as phosphorus and calcium, are good for bones and brain development; Fats and fatty acids: this component is represented by vegetable oil (sunflower oil, rapeseed oil), Omega-3, and Omega-6; An additional source of carbohydrates, maltodextrin, is not present in all formulas, only where lactose-derived carbohydrates are insufficient; Whey protein - improves digestion, normalizes intestinal microflora, softens stool. Benefits of goat's milk-based formulas Goat's milk formula is easier to digest for a baby. This is due to the fact that goat milk protein (casein) forms a friable and more easily digestible clot (coagulate) in the stomach, which is digested and absorbed faster and better than cow's milk coagulate. The risk of allergic reactions to the product is minimal. If the formula composition is chosen correctly and its ingredients contain vitamins and essential trace elements, the reception of such a product will provide your little one's healthy proper development. Usually, the formula is easy to dissolve and has a pleasant taste, but the taste mostly depends on the baby food brand. The disadvantages of goat's milk-based formula are most often associated with a high price and a more limited range compared to a similar product based on cow's milk. How to choose a goat's milk formula Of course, breast milk is the best food for the baby, but when full breastfeeding is impossible for some reason, goat's milk baby formula can help. They are perfectly adapted to the needs of babies from birth, have a delicate creamy taste, and are enriched with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Before choosing the formula, it is quite important to see your pediatrician, who will give recommendations on nutrition, taking into account the physiological characteristics of the baby, its growth, weight, pace of development. Next, when buying, you should pay attention to: Protein content-the composition with a large amount of protein can provoke obesity in the future. The goat's milk formula should also include fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, stimulating the visual system's development and brain cells and promoting immunity. Prebiotics and probiotics in the composition - in case the baby has problems with stool, constipation. There are several brands of goat's milk-based infant formula on the international market. One of the most reliable and well-known is the Swiss brand Holle. A distinctive feature of this baby food manufacturer is the use of only organic components from biodynamic farming. Holle goat milk formula is non-GMO and has no added sugar, corn syrup, or palm oil. By the way, all Holle products have a certificate of quality Demeter. Holle goat's milk baby formula can be a great alternative if your baby has an allergic reaction to cow's milk. This formula contains linoleic acid and DHA from algae oil, essential for developing vision, brain, and immune system. The formula is also enriched with vitamins (A, C, D) and minerals necessary for the baby's healthy development. Read Also: Is Finance Consumer Services A Good Career Path [Updated 2021] Is Commercial Banks A Good Career Path In 2021? Is Other Consumer Services A Good Career Path In 2021? Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? – Top Utility Jobs3

READ MOREDetails
Cancer Prominent

5 Types of Cancer Prominent in Women

Lifestyle, family, eating habits, surroundings – everything contributes to cancer possibilities in a person. Sometimes, late detection can be cured with substantial radiation and yet, sometimes early detection cannot be controlled. AMRI Hospital, a Kolkata-based hospital chain, suggests 5 types of cancer that have a higher possibility of manifestation in women than men. There are certain cancer prominent among the woman that can result in the substantial loss of life and body organs. Different Types of Cancer Prominent In Woman  There are several types of cancer that are prominent in women while you want to get the best treatment in AMRI hospital. Lung Cancer : It is a pre-conceived notion that only regular smokers suffer from Lung Cancer. However, this is a false assumption. An oncology expert at the best hospital in Kolkata, AMRI Hospital, said “It is true that long-term smokers are more susceptible to Lung Cancer, but that’s not the usual case with women. In more than half of the cases we have come across, the patient does not have a smoking habit.” Some of the factors responsible for lung cancer are: Passive Smoking Air pollution Exposure to toxic gases Heredity Statistics reveal that Lung Cancer is responsible for one of the highest number of deaths. A few precautionary measures that can be employed to fight against this deadly disease are: Avoid passive smoking. Meet your friends later or just excuse yourself from the environment. Pollution masks are readily available with pharmacists. If your city’s air is in the red zone of air pollution, make sure you wear the mask, especially while traveling. Studies have revealed that reduced alcohol consumption decreases the risk of having lung cancer. Exercise regularly and improve your diet. Physical activity helps to recover your body from the exposure to smoke, and diet maintains the smooth the functioning of the systems. Breast Cancer : According to the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), one out of every two women, newly diagnosed with breast cancer, dies in India. Generally, family history is one of the premier causes of breast cancer. If a person’s siblings, mother or daughter have the disease, the chances of suffering from the condition increase. There are a few factors that need to be considered in case of any suspicion about breast cancer:- Genetic Mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Menopause after 55 or menstrual periods before the age of 11 No pregnancies or late first pregnancy (after the age of 30) Radiation treatment of chest for another cancer Medical studies have advanced to a level where controlling breast cancer is highly possible. However, there are some precautions to reduce the overall chances of the disease: Estrogen fuels breast cancer cells and it has been observed that loss of weight, especially if you are not aligned with BMI helps to fight the disease Avoid eating red meat. It is still under speculation but it’s better to be safe than sorry Quit drinking alcoholic beverages. Or at least minimize it to one drink per day. Thyroid Cancer : Although the chances of developing thyroid cancer are reasonably low, there are not many ways to prevent it either. Since potential tumors revealed via scans can be treated in early stages, it is pivotal to analyze the risk factors and focus on their control: Usually, this cancer develops in the 40s and 50s Family history RET gene mutation There are no such control measures for thyroid cancer, but some precautionary steps can be taken: Avoid radiation exposure Reduce the iodine content in your diet If there are any cases in family history, have regular check-ups for early diagnosis Uterine/Endometrial Cancer : Female reproductive organs are more prone to endometrial cancer. As the name suggests, it is cancer in the uterus lining. Similar to breast cancer, high estrogen feeds the cancer cells in this case. Never being pregnant, overweight and birth control pills are some of the premier causes of increased risk. Other factors include: Around the age of 60 Diabetes Family History Nutritionists at AMRI Hospital, Kolkata suggest, “Diet control is the best way to prevent uterine cancer. Since fat cells secrete estrogen, the level of the hormone increases and make a person more prone to the condition.” There are several facts that prove cancer is prominent among women. Colon Cancer : Women around the age of 70 are more susceptible to colon cancer. The abnormal cancer cells take almost 15 years to grow, so regular check-ups are an easy way for early diagnosis. Colonoscopy, blood tests or Cologuard (DNA stool test) are the best ways to diagnose colon cancer. Oncologist in Kolkata experts advises taking diets rich in calcium and fiber as precautionary measures. Read Also : Benefits Of E-Cigarettes Over Traditional Smoking Vaping In The Workplace: Legal Considerations How Does Smoking Weed Affect The Society  

READ MOREDetails
Coconut Oil

Essential Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The advantages of coconut oil are on everyone's tongue. It is a special blessing from God as it has many benefits. It has uncountable uses, some people use coconut for better hair growth, few people apply it on the skin for moisturizing purpose, some of them add them in scented candles for aromatherapy and last but not least few people add coconut oil in their smoothies and diet to enjoy its magnificent health benefits. Coconut Oil Kills Bacteria : Coconut oil is anti-microbial oil that fights against bacteria, viruses or micro-organisms. Coconut oil has saturated fat that contains lauric acid as fatty acids which are known for their ability to fight against bacteria. If you add coconut oil to your diet, it combines with enzymes to form monoglyceride which enhances the property of coconut oil to kill bacteria such as Candida Albicans or Staphylococcus Aureus. Coconut oil Promotes Heart Health : The saturated fat in coconut oil increases the number of High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) is good cholesterol responsible to carry fat lipids to the liver so that they can be removed. These fat lipids are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol that can build in your arteries and can lead you to experience high blood pressure issues. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol fights against low-density lipoproteins cholesterol which reduces your chances of experiencing cardiovascular diseases. Coconut oil Improves digestive system : Do you know that coconut oil can help you improve your digestive system? Coconut oil makes your gut flora healthy by fighting against bad bacteria and maintains a healthy environment. Coconut oil also fights against bacteria that cause a decrease in stomach acids which helps indigestion. Tip: By adding omega fatty acids while taking coconut oil in your diet will enhance the result. Coconut Oil and Weight loss: Eating coconut oil can play an effective role in helping you to lose weight. Coconut oil improves your immune system because the chain of lauric acid in the coconut oil fights against bacteria and creates a hostile environment. Coconut oil also contains energy creating abilities and it naturally reduces your appetite that further aids in maintaining blood sugar level. In addition to this, the caprylic acid in coconut oil also helps in improving thyroid function, contributes to burning fat and controls heart rate. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it also helps in avoiding or treating stomach ulcer. Type ii Diabetes : As discussed prior that coconut oil helps in regulating blood sugar level. Similarly, coconut oil reduces the risk of diabetes type two. When your body stops accepting insulin and energy from glucose. Coconut oil promotes the production of insulin in cells which provides continuous energy by preventing insulin resistance. Coconut Oil Helps In Preventing Alzheimer Disease : Our liver is responsible to produce ketones which provide energy to our brain. The energy source for brain cells is derived from glucose by the help of insulin that is produced by the brain itself. People experiencing form Alzheimer brain loses their ability to produce insulin. However, the Medium-chain triglycerides MCT's in coconut oil increases the production of ketones by the liver which provides energy to the brain to improve its function. In addition to this, if you have a weak memory, the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil will also improve your recalling power as the brain cells get stronger. Coconut Oil for Anti-aging : Coconut oil is antimicrobial oil that promotes the level of antioxidants in the body which further aids into the slower aging process as it reduces oxidative stress on the liver and promotes better liver function. Healthier liver leads to a healthier body and skin. Prevent Osteoporosis By Using Coconut Oil : Free radicals and oxidative stress are two causes of osteoporosis. Many people use coconut oil as a natural remedy for osteoporosis because it promotes absorption of calcium by gut flora which saves them from loss of bone structure and increases bone volume. Coconut Oil for Hormone Imbalance : To balance hormones, one should reduce the intake of sugar and grain and load up on healthy fats. Therefore, the saturated fats in coconut oil have a positive effect on estrogen levels. It can be one of the best fats that can be taken during menopause. Hope this evidence would help you to make a wise decision of taking coconut oil in your diet. Read Also : 8 Home Gym Systems You’ll Want To Try Out All That You Must Know About Prenatal Vitamins Choosing A Diet Based On Your Personality Type

READ MOREDetails