What should you drink after an x-ray to remove radiation? Harmful effects of X-ray exposure

Of all the radiation diagnostic methods, only three: x-rays (including fluorography), scintigraphy and computed tomography, are potentially associated with dangerous radiation - ionizing radiation. X-rays are capable of splitting molecules into their component parts, so their action can destroy the membranes of living cells, as well as damage the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Thus, the harmful effects of hard X-ray radiation are associated with cell destruction and death, as well as damage to the genetic code and mutations. In ordinary cells, mutations over time can cause cancerous degeneration, and in germ cells they increase the likelihood of deformities in the future generation.

The harmful effects of such types of diagnostics as MRI and ultrasound have not been proven. Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the emission of electromagnetic waves, and ultrasound studies are based on the emission of mechanical vibrations. Neither is associated with ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation is especially dangerous for body tissues that are intensively renewed or growing. Therefore, the first people to suffer from radiation are:

• bone marrow, where the formation of immune cells and blood occurs,
• skin and mucous membranes, including the gastrointestinal tract,
• fetal tissue in a pregnant woman.

Children of all ages are especially sensitive to radiation, since their metabolic rate and cell division rate are much higher than those of adults. Children are constantly growing, which makes them vulnerable to radiation.

At the same time, X-ray diagnostic methods: fluorography, radiography, fluoroscopy, scintigraphy and computed tomography are widely used in medicine. Some of us expose ourselves to the rays of an X-ray machine on our own initiative: so as not to miss something important and to detect an invisible disease at a very early stage. But most often the doctor sends you for radiation diagnostics. For example, you come to the clinic to get a referral for a wellness massage or a certificate for the pool, and the therapist sends you for fluorography. The question is, why this risk? Is it possible to somehow measure the “harmfulness” of X-rays and compare it with the need for such research?

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Accounting for radiation doses

By law, every diagnostic test involving x-ray exposure must be recorded on a dose recording sheet, which is filled out by a radiologist and pasted into your outpatient record. If you are examined in a hospital, then the doctor should transfer these figures to the extract.

In practice, few people comply with this law. At best, you will be able to find the dose you were exposed to in the study report. At worst, you will never know how much energy you received with invisible rays. However, you have every right to demand from the radiologist information about how much the “effective dose of radiation” was - this is the name of the indicator by which harm from x-rays is assessed. The effective radiation dose is measured in milli- or microsieverts - abbreviated as mSv or µSv.

Previously, radiation doses were estimated using special tables that contained average figures. Now every modern X-ray machine or computed tomograph has a built-in dosimeter, which immediately after the examination shows the number of sieverts you received.

The radiation dose depends on many factors: the area of ​​the body that was irradiated, the hardness of the X-rays, the distance to the beam tube and, finally, the technical characteristics of the apparatus itself on which the study was carried out. The effective dose received when examining the same area of ​​the body, for example, the chest, can change by a factor of two or more, so after the fact it will only be possible to calculate how much radiation you received. It’s better to find out right away without leaving your office.

Which examination is the most dangerous?

To compare the “harmfulness” of various types of x-ray diagnostics, you can use the average effective doses given in the table. This is data from methodological recommendations No. 0100/1659-07-26, approved by Rospotrebnadzor in 2007. Every year the technology is improved and the dose load during research can be gradually reduced. Perhaps in clinics equipped with the latest devices, you will receive a lower dose of radiation.

Obviously, the highest radiation dose can be obtained during fluoroscopy and computed tomography. In the first case, this is due to the duration of the study. Fluoroscopy usually takes a few minutes, and an x-ray is taken in a fraction of a second. Therefore, during dynamic research you are exposed to more radiation. Computed tomography involves a series of images: the more slices, the higher the load, this is the price to pay for the high quality of the resulting image. The radiation dose during scintigraphy is even higher, since radioactive elements are introduced into the body. You can read more about the differences between fluorography, radiography and other radiation research methods.

To reduce the potential harm from radiation examinations, there are protections available. These are heavy lead aprons, collars and plates that a doctor or laboratory assistant must provide you with before making a diagnosis. You can also reduce the risk of an X-ray or CT scan by spacing the studies as far apart as possible. The effects of radiation can accumulate and the body needs to be given time to recover. Trying to get a whole body scan done in one day is unwise.

How to remove radiation after an x-ray?

Ordinary X-rays are the effect on the body of gamma radiation, that is, high-energy electromagnetic oscillations. As soon as the device is turned off, the exposure stops; the radiation itself does not accumulate or collect in the body, so there is no need to remove anything. But during scintigraphy, radioactive elements are introduced into the body, which are the emitters of waves. After the procedure, it is usually recommended to drink more fluids to help get rid of the radiation faster.

What is the acceptable radiation dose for medical research?

How many times can you do fluorography, x-rays or CT scans without causing harm to your health? It is believed that all these studies are safe. On the other hand, they are not performed on pregnant women and children. How to figure out what is truth and what is a myth?

It turns out that the permissible dose of radiation for humans during medical diagnostics does not exist even in official documents of the Ministry of Health. The number of sieverts is subject to strict recording only for X-ray room workers, who are exposed to radiation day after day in company with patients, despite all protective measures. For them, the average annual load should not exceed 20 mSv; in some years, the radiation dose may be 50 mSv, as an exception. But even exceeding this threshold does not mean that the doctor will begin to glow in the dark or will grow horns due to mutations. No, 20–50 mSv is only the limit beyond which the risk of harmful effects of radiation on humans increases. The dangers of average annual doses less than this value could not be confirmed over many years of observations and research. At the same time, it is purely theoretically known that children and pregnant women are more vulnerable to x-rays. Therefore, they are advised to avoid radiation just in case; all studies related to X-ray radiation are carried out only for health reasons.

Dangerous dose of radiation

The dose beyond which radiation sickness begins - damage to the body under the influence of radiation - ranges from 3 Sv for humans. It is more than 100 times higher than the permissible annual average for radiologists, and it is simply impossible for an ordinary person to obtain it during medical diagnostics.

There is an order from the Ministry of Health that introduces restrictions on the radiation dose for healthy people during medical examinations - this is 1 mSv per year. This usually includes such types of diagnostics as fluorography and mammography. In addition, it is said that it is prohibited to resort to X-ray diagnostics for prophylaxis in pregnant women and children, and it is also impossible to use fluoroscopy and scintigraphy as a preventive study, as they are the most “heavy” in terms of radiation exposure.

The number of x-rays and tomograms should be limited by the principle of strict reasonableness. That is, research is necessary only in cases where refusing it would cause more harm than the procedure itself. For example, if you have pneumonia, you may need to take a chest x-ray every 7-10 days until complete recovery to monitor the effect of antibiotics. If we are talking about a complex fracture, then the study can be repeated even more often to ensure the correct comparison of bone fragments and the formation of callus, etc.

Are there any benefits from radiation?

It is known that in the room a person is exposed to natural background radiation. This is, first of all, the energy of the sun, as well as radiation from the bowels of the earth, architectural buildings and other objects. Complete exclusion of the effect of ionizing radiation on living organisms leads to a slowdown in cell division and early aging. Conversely, small doses of radiation have a restorative and healing effect. This is the basis for the effect of the famous spa procedure - radon baths.

On average, a person receives about 2–3 mSv of natural radiation per year. For comparison, with digital fluorography you will receive a dose equivalent to natural radiation for 7-8 days a year. And, for example, flying on an airplane gives an average of 0.002 mSv per hour, and even the work of a scanner in the control zone is 0.001 mSv in one pass, which is equivalent to the dose for 2 days of normal life under the sun.

Everyone knows how terrible radiation is. It leads to tumors, leukemia, radiation sickness, infertility, etc. The body cannot defend itself against infection. But nuclear disasters don’t happen very often here, and where else can you suffer from radiation?

Background radiation is present almost everywhere

Where can I get a dose of radioactive radiation?

Even if we live in an area far from the one where the nuclear disaster occurred, exposure to radiation is possible.

• From space. Do not forget about cosmic rays, thanks to which a person receives 60% of his annual radiation dose. This is especially true for those who are forced to spend a lot of time in the air for work.
• Environment. Natural radionuclides are found almost everywhere. There are points on Earth where radiation is high. But those who live in a proven area have nothing to fear. If in doubt, purchase a dosimeter that will allow you to independently measure the radiation level.
• X-ray machines and computed tomographs. However, the radiation dose after an x-ray is very small. Thus, during fluorography, a person is exposed to a dose of 0.3 mSv. He receives the same amount of radiation from natural exposure for 30 days. If the radiation dose is higher than 50 mVz per year, then doctors say it is harmful to health. Then it’s worth thinking about the advisability of x-rays.
• Cancer patients. They risk more than others because they undergo radiotherapy. Doctors try to reduce the risk and act only on the organ that is damaged.
• Old TVs and monitors. Electro-ray TVs and monitors are also a weak source of radiation. But modern technology is not dangerous. As for cell phones and other equipment, their exposure is not related to radiation.

The environment is a source of radioactive exposure

Proper nutrition after x-ray exposure

After an x-ray, it is not necessary to change your lifestyle, since the radiation dose is very small. But if you want to reduce the risk of radiation after an x-ray, try to undergo examination in modern clinics that have equipment that is safe for humans. After undergoing an x-ray, you can include in your diet foods that remove radiation from the body. We will write about them below. This is necessary for frequent examinations.

And in other cases there is no need to worry, because there is nothing to be afraid of. But for prevention at home after an x-ray, you can:

1. Drink milk.
2. Drink dry wine (200 g) or grape juice (red). If you've run out of wine at home and don't have grape juice, any juice with pulp will do.
3. Eat foods that contain iodine (seaweed, fish, persimmon, etc.).

Such nutrition will support the body after an x-ray.

The radiation dose from x-rays is very small

Proper nutrition during radiation therapy

It is important to eat right during and after radiation therapy. Then radiation therapy will not be able to cause harm to the body, or it will be minimal. After radiation therapy, you need to eat food that is rich in protein, microelements, vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is important to drink a lot: at least 40 ml per kilogram of a person’s weight in the summer, and 30 ml per kilogram of weight in the winter, i.e. An average weight adult should drink 2-2.8 liters of fluid per day after radiation therapy.

But foods such as sugar, yeast dough, saturated fats, etc. after radiation therapy are undesirable. It is necessary to reduce the amount of fried and smoked foods, as well as spicy and fried foods. Soda, coffee and confectionery fat are harmful.

Eating well after radiation therapy will help reduce health risks after radiation exposure. Studies have shown that if women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer drank red wine, there were low rates of skin toxicity, i.e. her irritation and sensitivity. One glass of red wine a day reduced skin toxicity by up to 14%, down from 38%.

Proper nutrition after radiation therapy

Products useful after radiation exposure

How to remove radiation from the body? Products that remove radiation from the body and contain special substances that help remove the effects of radiation exposure will help with this.

Iodine and radiation

Many people have heard that when exposed to radiation, you need to drink iodine. There is truth in these words. But iodine should only be used in case of disaster. If there was a nuclear reactor accident, then radionuclides are released (these are isotopes of uranium, plutonium, iodine - 131, etc.). When iodine 131-135 enters the human body, it is deposited in the thyroid gland and affects it.

If you take potassium iodide immediately after the disaster (iodine can only be taken in tablet form), the iodine will protect the thyroid gland. But it will only help during irradiation. If you drink it after irradiation, even after 6 hours, there will be no result. You can apply an alcohol solution of iodine to the skin in the area of ​​the forearms, thighs and lower legs in the form of strips. But iodine is used only during nuclear disasters.

Treating them just like that is dangerous to your health. Iodine in large doses blocks the functioning of the thyroid gland, and only an endocrinologist can help you recover.

Sometimes women come to the gynecologist with the question: “After an x-ray, when can you get pregnant?” After all, X-ray radiation is not harmless for the expectant mother. Many responsible women understand this and try to delay pregnancy after an x-ray. But there are situations when pregnancy occurs unexpectedly. The woman recalls that she recently (perhaps even in the current cycle) had an x-ray and is now worried about how the radiation will affect the baby’s health.

Let's talk to experts about how long it takes to get pregnant after an x-ray and whether there are reasons to panic.

Any married couple wants to give birth to an absolutely healthy baby. And those future parents who take this issue seriously understand that they need to prepare for this important step in advance.

Planning a pregnancy is an important and responsible activity that involves a number of procedures aimed at identifying possible deviations from the norm in the bodies of future parents.

An X-ray examination may be prescribed by a doctor in the following cases:

• When diagnosing the cause when pregnancy does not occur for a long time;
• A routine fluorographic examination of the lungs, which every person must undergo once a year;
• Photograph of teeth during oral sanitation;
• For injuries;
• For some diseases, when ultrasound diagnostics are not enough.

And it often happens that a woman does not yet know that she is pregnant when she receives a certain dose of radiation.

When can you plan to conceive after an x-ray? Will pregnancy proceed with complications after an x-ray? Can irradiation affect the fetus; will it have developmental defects after this procedure? Let's look at these important issues.

Is it possible to get pregnant immediately after hysterosalpingography?

When planning a pregnancy, the doctor will definitely prescribe an X-ray if the long-awaited conception does not occur for a long time. The test is called hysterosalpingography (HSG). It must be carried out in order to determine the quality of patency of the fallopian tubes. If adhesions are found in the tubes, fertilization is impossible.

To check whether the tubes are patent, an HSG is performed, during which a contrast agent is used. It is with its help that you can see in the pictures the condition of the pelvic organs. Thanks to this procedure, the doctor can also detect formations that are dangerous to the woman’s health.

An interesting fact is that after completing this study, a woman who has not been able to get pregnant for a long time may discover two cherished stripes.

There is a completely scientific explanation for this “miraculous” healing. The same liquid used for X-rays is injected under pressure. The result of this procedure is the divergence of small adhesions and restoration of the patency of the fallopian tubes.

This important point must be taken into account after the x-ray, and your doctor will tell you when you can become pregnant. But in any case, during the menstrual cycle when the woman was examined, she needs to use protection, since the egg received a serious dose of radiation.

What if pregnancy has already occurred?

Everyone knows that X-ray radiation in large doses can be harmful to health. But modern equipment reduces the harmful effects of the procedure to a minimum.

If the risk is minimal, is it possible to take x-rays immediately before conception and during pregnancy? Most gynecologists agree that it is undesirable for a pregnant woman to undergo this procedure. It is prescribed only in cases of extreme necessity.

With strong (and especially repeated) irradiation, living tissue cells can be harmed:

• Cells are damaged and are unable to perform their functions fully;
• Transform into forms of malignant formations;
• They die off.

The cells of the reproductive system are considered the most vulnerable to radiation. Irradiated sperm in men and damaged eggs in women are unable to conceive.

It is for this reason that the organs of the reproductive system must be protected using lead screens when undergoing an X-ray examination.

Since each organism has its own characteristics and reacts individually to any influence, the unborn child should be protected from the negative consequences of radiation.

It is worth planning conception two menstrual cycles after the body has received a dose of radiation - this is a sufficient period of time even for “reinsurers”.

However, many gynecologists are confident that it is possible to plan conception for the next cycle after the x-ray.

Effect on the fetus: doctors' opinions

Sometimes a woman, after undergoing an x-ray examination, finds out that she was already pregnant at that time. And she is very concerned about whether this procedure affects the development of the fetus.

Doctors have different opinions about the safety of X-rays for expectant mothers.

Some doctors believe that modern equipment helps reduce risks to a minimum. Therefore, future parents have nothing to worry about.

Another part of the doctors claims that there are risks of complications. However, the consequences depend on what kind of examination was carried out and to what extent.

The risk of complications depends on how early the x-ray was taken.

If a woman was examined in the first half of the cycle, then there is no need to worry. After all, at this time the egg has not yet had time to mature and be released.

Having received irradiation in the second half of the menstrual cycle, when ovulation has already occurred, there is a high probability that the fetus may die or disturbances will be observed in its development. This applies to those who have had an X-ray of the pelvis or spine. Other studies, if done in compliance with all the rules, are practically safe.

So, it all depends on what kind of x-ray examination the woman underwent, how often she did it and what dose of radiation she received.

For example, if a pregnant woman took a photo of a tooth or hand, this will not affect the fetus in any way. But an X-ray of the pelvis, especially if it was done more than once, can cause many unpleasant consequences both for the subsequent pregnancy and for the planned one.

If a woman needs an x-ray for some reason while planning a pregnancy, it is better for her to choose the first third of the cycle, when the likelihood of getting pregnant is almost zero. Or use contraception for the entire cycle.

Obstetrician-gynecologist answers

We asked obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Artemyeva to answer questions that concern expectant mothers.

“My husband and I have been planning a pregnancy for a long time. But he had to take an unscheduled photo of the tooth. Will radiation affect my ability to conceive? Is it dangerous to have a dental x-ray when planning a pregnancy? Should I stop planning?

— The amount of X-ray exposure in your case will not affect the male quality of conception.

— How long should it take after an X-ray of the lungs to conceive?

— You can plan a pregnancy already in the next cycle.

— I have a regular menstrual cycle. Sexual intercourse occurred two days before ovulation. And a day later I had to have fluorography and an x-ray of the hand in two projections. When the picture of the hand was taken, an apron was put on the stomach. And now I feel signs of pregnancy: weakness, drowsiness and cravings for salty foods, although it’s too early to take a test. If I'm pregnant, it turns out that I was irradiated before the egg was fertilized. Does this mean that I will give birth to a child with a pathology? Is it necessary to terminate the pregnancy?

— There is a theoretical basis for your fears. However, there is no need to worry ahead of time. Indeed, exposure to x-rays on the body on days when the likelihood of conception is high is undesirable. But this does not mean that the pregnancy must be terminated. First, make sure that you are pregnant.

To do this, you need not only to do a test, but also undergo an ultrasound examination.

In this case, the “all or nothing” principle applies. If a harmful effect on the fetus occurred, and it was strong enough, then pregnancy will not occur at all. If fertilization occurs and the fetus develops, then most likely a healthy baby will be born. Therefore, in your case there is no reason to panic. Start taking folic acid and wait quietly for the test results.

The consequences of X-ray exposure include many negative factors that can radically change a person’s life. The thing is that these rays have extremely high permeability, which entails changes in the skin and even deeper damage to internal organs.

For a long time, people did not know how to deal with this, but now it is known: the most important thing is that a person is not exposed to X-ray radiation very often and uses protective devices.

History of the discovery of X-rays

The main credit for the discovery of this type of radiation and its wonderful properties belongs to the German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. The first information about these amazing rays was obtained in 1895, when Roentgen managed to take an X-ray picture of his wife’s hand and then develop the picture. At that time, no one knew about the radioactive properties of the new type of waves, and the wife of this German scientist died precisely because of repeated and frequent exposure to this type of radiation. At the same time, another name appeared - X-rays. In the first publication devoted to the new rays, Roentgen made the following conclusions:

1. This radiation has the highest penetrating ability.
2. It causes the glow of some of the objects it is directed at.
3. X-rays affect living beings.
4. They are capable of becoming a catalyst for certain chemical reactions, that is, without their participation these processes are impossible.
5. X-rays can turn atoms of some substances into ions, knocking electrons out of their orbits around the nucleus.

First of all, the scientist was interested in the question of the wavelength of the newly discovered rays. Through experiments, it was found that the length of X-ray waves is from 8 to 10 cm, which allows this type of ray to occupy an intermediate position between ultraviolet and gamma radiation.

Applications of X-rays

This radiation is used to solve several problems at once, including such aspects as x-ray diagnostics and x-ray therapy. X-ray diagnostics is divided into many options.

1. X-ray examination (transradiation).
2. X-ray examination ().
3. Fluorography. It is an X-ray image of the chest.
4. CT scan.

All of the above types are various manifestations of the diagnostic function of x-ray radiation. But this type of rays also has another way of being used - as a therapeutic agent. This function is called “X-ray therapy”. It can also be used on children.

Effects of X-rays

In children, as in adults, X-ray radiation causes many side effects that can be reduced by reducing exposure to these rays to a minimum.

Here are some of the consequences of human interaction with X-rays:

1. X-radiation can cause irreversible changes in human skin, especially in cases where frequent use of X-rays cannot be avoided.
2. By gradually reducing the time of interaction between a person and an installation emitting waves of a given length, it was possible to find out that if the exposure was short enough, there would be no negative consequences.
3. Lead screens can also have a positive effect; their presence almost completely neutralizes the destructive effect of radiation, including on children.
4. The harmful effects of X-ray irradiation can also manifest themselves in the long term - these are large-scale changes in blood plasma, vulnerability to leukemia, and premature aging of the body.
5. The effect of x-rays on the body depends on which part of the human body is affected by the directed beam. If the heart is irradiated, cardiac problems will begin; if it is in the abdominal area, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract will develop.
6. X-rays can also lead to irreversible pathological changes in the human genome if frequent exposure to radiation cannot be avoided.

Accompanies a person throughout his life, in the background he receives microscopic doses every second.

But with X-rays, a person receives a day's or even a year's worth of doses in seconds. This entails many negative consequences.

X-raying a person's chest is equal to 10 days of background radiation. is equal to 3 years under the influence of background rays, but an x-ray of an arm or leg causes almost no harm to a person.

The effect of X-rays on pregnant women deserves special attention.

At the moment, the use of this type of diagnostics and therapy for this category of citizens is completely excluded, since even minimal exposure to X-rays can radically change the chromosome set of a developing child, which will lead to various mutations and pathologies.

Many breastfeeding women, for one reason or another, are forced to undergo various medical tests. X-rays are also necessary. Every mother thinks before the procedure how this will affect breast milk, whether it will become harmful to the baby. Before you undergo the study, you need to make sure whether it is really necessary. Some doctors argue that breastfeeding should be postponed for some time. But modern research has proven that this claim is groundless.

Are x-rays harmful?

X-rays (electromagnetic radiation) are capable of penetrating the human body. X-rays are a source of radiation. In large doses it is naturally dangerous. This applies to a greater extent to manufacturing sectors, where these doses are very large. In a medical examination, be it the arms or the chest, if the procedure is carried out on working equipment in accordance with all standards, radiation exposure is not dangerous, since a minimal dose is used. Women should understand that in a number of cases, these studies are extremely important: suspected fractures, cases of complications after ARVI, prolonged cough, persistent runny nose, acute pain in the gastrointestinal tract, the likelihood of bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, and so on. In such cases it is necessary to prevent a threat to the woman's life. Most doctors assure that X-rays during breastfeeding are not at all dangerous and do not in any way affect the quality of milk or the health of the child and mother.

When is it better to give up?

Although minimal, the procedure is not recommended to be performed frequently. If you are asked to take an x-ray while breastfeeding, for example, during a medical examination or just in case, it is better to refuse. You always need to compare possible risks and the actual need for examination. You should always remember that x-rays are a source of radiation, albeit a minimal one.

The effect of x-rays on breast milk

Modern research confirms that during lactation a woman may well undergo an x-ray examination. X-rays do not have any negative effect on breast milk, its composition does not change, and there is no need to wean the baby from the breast. However, some doctors, answering the question whether it is possible to do an x-ray on a nursing mother, giving a positive answer, recommend interrupting feeding for a short period in some cases. In particular, if an X-ray of the stomach was taken, when the procedure is used to improve the visualization of tissues and internal organs. Some experts recommend refraining from consuming foods containing iodine during lactation.

X-ray materials and breast milk

But there is an opinion that the substances that are used for X-rays have iodine molecules that are covalently bonded to the base, so there are very few of them in the free state. Therefore, there is no risk to the baby, and the effect of the substance on milk is considered harmless. In addition, it takes less than one hour in the body, the bioavailability of this element through milk is reduced to almost zero.

X-rays during breastfeeding, in principle, are not dangerous, but to be on the safe side, manufacturers of materials for X-ray examinations usually recommend that during lactation it is necessary to take a break after the examination for a day. If we approach it objectively, then such a need is unprincipled.

Barium, which is often used, is not absorbed by the body, and the substance does not in any way affect the quality of breast milk. Such statements are made by manufacturing companies and doctors who do not want to take any responsibility for any consequences after an X-ray study.

Preparation for the procedure

To minimize any risks that, according to some opinions, may arise if you have to take an x-ray of your leg, internal organs, or other parts of the body, follow some recommendations:

• Take x-rays only in cases of emergency, if there is a risk of developing some dangerous disease.
• Before the examination, as some experts recommend, feed the baby, then do not breastfeed him for two hours.
• If the mother still fears for the baby’s health, despite all the assurances that the procedure is safe, you can simply express the milk that was in the breast during the x-ray and pour it out.
• When performing the procedure, require a protective apron. It is usually given to pregnant women, although everyone is entitled to such protection, regardless of their status.
• If the maternity hospital forces you to undergo fluorography, and a year has not passed since the last examination, you have the right to refuse. The fluorography coupon is valid for one year.

X-ray examination. Benefit or harm?

If there is any suspicion of complications or injuries, it is necessary to undergo an x-ray examination. Does it bring benefit or harm? As mentioned above, it is necessary to soberly assess the situation and make a choice. The benefits of the procedure are obvious. An X-ray will help clarify the clinical picture, and if there is a need and indication, the doctor will be able to prescribe timely treatment. X-rays will not cause any harm during breastfeeding. The rays do not affect the composition of milk in any way, which means it will not be harmful to the baby. Moreover, immediately after the procedure, the effect of the rays stops; it does not have a cumulative effect. There is no need to remove any harmful substances from the body.

MRI

We found out how x-rays affect the mother’s body. “Is it possible to undergo an MRI procedure?” - a logical question arises. Magnetic resonance imaging also has no side effects and does not affect breast milk in any way. When performing MRI, gadopentetic acid is used as a contrast material. The half-life of the compound is less than an hour; within six hours it is completely eliminated from the human body.

There is information that the level of gadopentetic acid in breast milk is too low. Within 24 hours after the study, only 0.23 percent of the dose can be isolated from mother's milk. In addition, when taken orally, the bioavailability of gadalinium products is equal to 0.8 percent. Therefore, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding your baby after an MRI procedure. Although material manufacturers advise taking a break for 24 hours. Doctors do not notice any side effects in those children whose mothers used contrast agents and underwent MRI studies.

Radioisotopes

Sometimes radioactive substances have to be used for examinations. They are often used to study the heart, thyroid gland, and various tumors. For the study as a whole, the dose taken is much less than for the therapeutic effect. If you have to use radioactive substances while breastfeeding, you usually have to wean the baby off the breast for a while. Harmful substances can accumulate in milk and can harm the baby. The time to stop feeding will depend on the dose and type of substance.

Together with the doctor, the mother should discuss any research alternatives (ultrasound, blood tests, MRI, CT). It is necessary to fully verify the need to use radioactive substances and choose the one with the shortest decay period.

If the decision to use radioisotopes is made, the mother must express the required amount of milk in advance until the baby is weaned. Radioisotopes usually have short decay periods, are quickly eliminated from the body and do not create any special difficulties or problems during breastfeeding.

The effect of x-rays on the body

X-ray examination uses rays. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation can be radio waves or light. X-rays have short wavelengths, resulting in higher and more targeted penetration.

Why are x-rays dangerous? The high degree of penetration makes the rays harmful to the human body. X-ray is one of the types of radiation. When passing through tissues and cells, the rays interact with molecules and the process of ionization occurs. Complex molecules and atoms are broken up by beams into charged particles. High-intensity radiation is considered dangerous if it is exposed for a long time. Effects caused by the action of X-rays and other ionizing radiation:

• Temporary changes in blood composition after excess radiation.
• Cataracts are possible.
• Development of cancer (including leukemia).
• Rapid aging, premature death.

Biological experiments carried out on rabbits and mice have proven that constant irradiation, even with small doses, leads to a malfunction of the genetic program. Many scientists recognize a similar effect of large doses on the human body.

Security level

When used rationally and carefully, chest x-rays do not cause harm to health, like many other procedures. Radiologists and nurses who have undergone special training are allowed to conduct the examination. They use minimal doses of radiation that do not harm health and allow for high-quality research.

The X-ray beam affects the human body only at the moment when the device is turned on. In this case, the duration of exposure is only a few milliseconds. To protect areas that do not need to be examined, lead aprons are used. The fact is that lead, having a high density, does not transmit x-rays. This makes it possible to protect against excessive doses of radiation.