X-Rays
Overview
Possible Complications
X-rays do not cause short-term health complications. But radiation doses may build up in the body over time. The more x-rays you have the more radiation there will be. This can raise the risk of some cancers or thyroid problems. The risk is higher in children and women who could get or are pregnant.
Lead safety shields are used during x-rays. They help lower the amount of radiation to the body.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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RESOURCES
NIH Clinical Center https://www.cc.nih.gov
Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America https://www.radiologyinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Radiologists https://car.ca
Canadian Radiation Protection Association http://www.crpa-acrp.ca
References
Decision rules for x-ray use in knee injuries. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/decision-rules-for-x-ray-use-in-knee-injuries Accessed September 14, 2020.
Reducing radiation from medical x-rays. US Food & Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095505.htm. Accessed September 14, 2020.
X-ray (radiography). Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/submenu.cfm?pg=xray. Accessed September 14, 2020.
X-rays. Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays. Accessed September 14, 2020.