What is a Chest X-Ray?
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that can take a picture of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, airways, ribs, and diaphragm. Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray if you are experiencing symptoms like a chronic cough, chest pain, are coughing up blood, have a fever, or shortness of breath. A chest X-ray can also determine well how treatments are working or check for complications after a surgery or procedure.
What to Expect?
A chest X-ray is done in an outpatient or inpatient setting. You should remove any jewelry, clothing, or other metal objects because that may interfere with the test results. You will need to wear a medical gown.
Depending on the type of image your healthcare provider orders, you may need to sit, stand, or lie down in front of the X-ray plate. The technologist may ask you to move to your right or left for a different angle and recommend where you should place your arms. Once the technologist positions you, you should stay still because moving may affect the image quality.
Understanding the Results
The X-ray results will be reviewed by an imaging specialist or radiologist and communicated to your healthcare provider. The results of this test can show the condition of your lungs and heart. Examples of a lung condition that may appear on a chest X-ray include
- Pneumonia
- Fluid around your lungs (pulmonary edema)
- COPD or emphysema
- Lung cancer
- Tuberculosis
- Scarring of the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis or IPF)
- Sarcoidosis
Chest X-rays may also help diagnose heart conditions, hernia, and fractures.
What are the Risks?
You may have concerns about radiation exposure. Before you get a chest X-ray, ask your healthcare provider any questions about the test or concerns about your exposure to radiation.
A chest X-ray is not painful but if you recently had surgery, you may have discomfort from moving into different positions. Tell the technologist taking the X-ray if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Page last updated: July 19, 2024
