However, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before having an X-ray. Generally, however, radiation exposure from an X-ray is low, and the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks. Sensitivity to the radiation depends on your age, with children being more sensitive than adults. The amount of radiation you're exposed to during an X-ray depends on the tissue or organ being examined.

Some people worry that X-rays aren't safe because radiation exposure can cause cell mutations that may lead to cancer. Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect.Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.Functional neurologic disorder/conversion disorder.Chronic exertional compartment syndrome.If your child has swallowed something such as a key or a coin, an X-ray can show the location of that object. Barium, a contrast medium delivered in a drink or an enema, can help reveal problems in your digestive system. Injecting a contrast material that contains iodine can help highlight sections of your circulatory system to make them visible on X-rays. This sign of congestive heart failure shows up clearly on X-rays. Mammography is a special type of X-ray test used to examine breast tissue. Evidence of pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer can show up on chest X-rays. Special types of X-ray tests can measure your bone density. Dentists use X-rays to check for cavities in your teeth. X-rays taken over the years can help your doctor determine if your arthritis is worsening.

X-rays of your joints can reveal evidence of arthritis. In most cases, fractures and infections in bones and teeth show up clearly on X-rays. X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of the body. X-rays can locate metal objects your child has swallowed, such as this jack.

X ray radiation exposure