How to Prepare Your Teenager for an X-Ray?

Going for an X-ray for the first time can be intimidating for teens because they just don’t know what to expect. And for those wondering if X-rays are any different for teens and adults, your thoughts are completely valid because, yes, there are a few differences between when teens go for X-rays and when adults do. 

Radiography may be non-invasive, but it’s a procedure that has different protocols for different individuals. In this article, we’re going to look at what X-rays are, the difference between teens and adults going for X-rays, and how to help your teen prepare for them.

What are the differences between teens and adults when going for X-rays?

Even though some teens look mature enough to be adults, many physiological changes that cannot be seen by the naked eye need to take place before they can be treated like adults. This especially applies to how X-rays are performed on teens.

Adolescent tissues have a higher water content than adult tissues. Therefore, a higher dose is necessary to penetrate the tissue because more radiation is absorbed and dispersed in a teen’s body. While teens will need a higher dose, radiologists will adjust the doses to a minimum throughout the radiology examination. 

How do X-rays work?

What we find helps teens get comfortable with having X-rays is helping them understand exactly what an X-ray machine does. Trust us, having an X-ray isn’t going to turn them into the Hulk. Through years of research and fine-tuning, scientists have made X-rays safe to use. 

An X-ray produces electromagnetic radiation that interacts with an anode within the X-ray tube. The ray made by this interaction is then directed towards the area on your body being examined by the radiologist. As the ray comes into contact with your body, it’ll produce an image on a metal film, allowing the radiologist to see any underlying issues.

What information do teens need to let their health providers know?

While going for an X-ray is completely safe, there are some things teens need to do to prepare. Firstly, parents and teens must disclose some information about themselves to the healthcare professional who will recommend the X-ray. Things like:

  • Allergies
  • Medications you take
  • Any surgeries you may have had
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Other medical devices you have in your body
  • If they are pregnant or are concerned that they may be pregnant

Letting your doctor know that your teen has one or more of the conditions above is simply just so they can change the treatment if needed. 

What are the benefits of going for an X-ray?

There are some benefits of going for X-rays, especially when it comes to helping doctors provide your teen with an accurate diagnosis regarding their health.

The benefits of going for an X-ray include:

  • X-rays are a quick solution to diagnose an issue
  • It’s quick, simple, and painless
  • It’s non-invasive and doesn’t require surgery or anaesthesia
  • They’re relatively accurate and are versatile instruments to assist doctors with different types of injuries
  • They have very little to no side effects
  • They release a very small amount of radiation at a time
  • After the X-ray, the radiation doesn’t remain in your body

If you need to book an appointment for your teen for an X-ray, consider contacting Mermaid Beach Radiology to book.

Are there any risks?

Seeing as though X-rays use radiation, you might be wondering what the risks are. In general, X-rays are very safe for teens to go. Over-exposure to radiation throughout your lifetime can be a cause of cancer, but in the case of X-rays, you’ll be exposed to such a small amount of radiation that it’ll barely have an impact on your body. 

That said, youngsters are generally more sensitive to radiation. To account for this, the X-ray machine might be adjusted so that you’re not exposed to as much radiation as an adult would be. 

How to Prepare for an X-ray

If you’re getting an X-ray for the first time, it’s natural to be nervous, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Here’s what you need to know about before, during, and after your X-ray:

Before the procedure

Before the procedure starts, your teen will be asked to remove items like jewellery, glasses, watches, or anything else that might interfere with the X-ray results. They’ll also need to take off any clothes near the area being examined. 

During the procedure

When the procedure begins, the radiologist will give you directions on how to sit or lie down so they can take the X-ray. You’ll be asked to remain still for a while during the procedure to ensure they can get accurate results. The machine will take several images of the area from different angles and then print them. 

After the procedure

Afterwards, you’ll collect your items and get dressed again. The X-rays will be sent to your doctor on record, and you’ll be able to continue life as normal.

Final thoughts

X-rays have been around for a long time, and the technology is only improving. There is a slight difference between teens and adults when going for X-rays, but when the exam is performed by a professional and qualified radiologist, it is just as safe for teens as it is for adults. So, there’s really nothing to be scared about; all your teen has to do is follow the instructions from your doctor and radiologist, and soon, they will be able to see what’s going on in your adolescent’s body. 

Also read:

How Screen Time Can Impact Teen Mental Health

How Sports Therapy Helps Teens

Image attribution: Pexels, Gustavo Fring

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