The effect of X-rays on children, what are the risks? & bull; hello healthy

When a child is sick or injured during an accident, of course, it requires a medical examination as soon as possible. To determine whether there are problems with certain organs or bone injuries, x-rays need to be done.

Some parents may wonder whether the effects of x-rays can have an impact on their children in the future. Check out the explanation below to answer your question.

Answering the effects of X-rays on children

X-rays or X-rays are closely related to radiation. However, these procedures are required for certain medical purposes.

According to the World Health Organization, an average of one in three people may develop or develop cancer in their lifetime. However, when X-rays are often done, it could be a risk factor for cancer in children in the future.

Children are still growing, so they are more sensitive to radiation.

Radiologist Martha Hernanz-Schulman, MD, of the American College of Radiology's Pediatric Imaging Commission says that everyone, regardless of age, shouldn't be exposed to radiation.

If a child needs to get an X-ray, the radiation used is relatively low. Unlike the CT scan, the radiation beam applied is 200 times higher than the chest X-ray.

Speaking of risks, there are effects of X-rays on children but only rarely are they possible. For example, the risk of an allergic reaction to iodine contrast material in children. Iodine contrast material is usually injected into the child's body to produce a clearer image.

Even though it involves radiation in the process of X-rays, of course the radiology team will provide protection and apply the right way to perform this procedure on children, thereby minimizing the risk of radiation.

There are ways that parents can take to reduce the effects of X-ray radiation on children. Listen to the next description.

Things that parents can do to minimize children's radiation

Source: Full Thread Ahead

The risk effect of X-rays on children is relatively small. However, parents can do things that can minimize the risk of radiation exposure to children.

1. Ask the doctor

There is nothing wrong with asking the pediatrician whether this X-ray is really necessary to recommend or not. Marilyn J. Goske, MD, a pediatric radiologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, suggests four questions parents can ask.

• Does this test use radiation?
• Why is this test necessary?
• How can this test help my child's health condition?
• Are there any alternatives that don't use ionizing radiation, such as ultrasound?

Through this question, both parents and doctors can get education about the risks of radiation effects, such as x-rays and CT scans in children.

2. Save the results

If the doctor from the hospital you are visiting suggests your child to take an x-ray, consider going to a children's hospital. Facilities in special children's hospitals usually adjust radiation tests, such as x-rays and CT scans, which are more age-friendly.

If the child has finished taking an X-ray, it is best to save a copy of the scan. You don't need to do repeated X-rays for children to reduce the risk of X-rays.

3. Examination of the teeth with X-rays

In some cases, children need to take X-rays of their teeth. Experts say the risk effect of using dental x-rays in children tends to be low.

According to The American Dental Association (ADA), children and adolescents get bitewing radiographs (photos of the surface of the teeth) at least once every 6-12 months, when their teeth become cavities. While bitewing radiographs are performed every one to two years in children who do not have cavities.

However, what if the dentist recommends a CT scan? Parents need to know, CT scans are used when a child has trauma to the jaw or corrects an abnormal tooth position.

For routine examinations in mild cases, children only need X-rays.

Now parents do not need to be so worried about the side effects of x-rays on children. Because the use of radiation on X-rays is only small. You can apply the three steps above as a reference to minimize the risk of radiation exposure to children.

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