Chest X-ray: Don’t be afraid of it.It’s Window to your Lung health.

A Chest X-ray (CXR) is a very common ,non-invasive medical test that uses a very small amount of radiation to create pictures of the internal structures of your chest, including your lungs, heart, and ribcage. It’s a crucial diagnostic tool, often being the first imaging test doctors use to evaluate symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath. 

Why a Chest X-ray Matters for a Persistent Cough?
Most coughs are acute, lasting less than three weeks, and are usually due to common colds or flu. But when you have a cough that lasts more than 15 days (which doctors refer to as a subacute or chronic cough), it is important to consult a chest specialist .Here chest X-ray can help your doctor rule out or diagnose more serious underlying conditions that could be causing your prolonged cough. These conditions include:Pneumonia , TB , COPD, asthma , ILD , Pleural effusion, Pulmonary Edema. A CXR provides valuable information that a physical exam alone cannot. Don't Be Afraid of the X-ray.
Many people worry about radiation exposure, but the dose from a single chest X-ray is very small - comparable to the amount of natural background radiation you receive in about ten days. The benefit of quickly identifying a serious, treatable condition far outweighs this minimal risk. 
If your doctor recommends a chest X-ray for your prolonged cough, remember it is a simple step toward getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment.

Dr. Aditi Shah
Dr. Pravin Taware
Pulmonologist
Aeris Clinic Of Allergy Chest & Sleep Care , Matunga East