Chest X-ray is a very commonly used imaging technique that produces images of the body structures especially bones and soft tissues. In this technique, an X-ray beam passes through the body and gets absorbed in multiple body structures depending upon their density. A chest X-ray helps to see and produce images of the following body structures and problems associated with them:
- Lungs
- Heart
- Vasculature
- Rib cage and various other bones of the chest and spine.
- Airways
Metals and Bones are the most dense structures in the human body. Bones and metal present in the body appear to be white in an X-ray. Muscles and fat appear in different shades of grey. The air in the lungs of the human body appears to be black in color.
Chest X-ray is a type of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light. These radiations when captured form an image on the X-ray film or the monitor. The image hence formed helps the doctor to locate the affected area in the patient’s body.
In case of a chest pain, shortness of breath or chest injury, the doctor may advise to get a chest X-ray done. This helps the doctor to locate fractures, abnormalities in heart or lungs, and multiple other abnormalities.