3 Signs You Need an X-Ray

X-rays are an essential tool that allows the medical team at Rapid City Healthcare to diagnose and inform our treatment decisions accurately. For patient convenience, we offer X-rays on-site, whether you visit the urgent care for walk-in service or schedule an appointment with the primary care team.

Here are three signs you need an X-ray:

1. Persistent pain or swelling of the injured area

If you have persistent pain or swelling after a minor injury, such as twisting your ankle or falling, you could have an underlying condition, such as a sprain, fracture, or inflammation. An X-ray helps our doctors identify if there is an injury that requires further treatment.

If you have joint pain or swelling without a known injury, an X-ray can help the team diagnose possible conditions like bursitis, arthritis, or tendinitis. X-rays can detect degenerative changes or damage to bones and joints.

2. Difficulty breathing or persistent cough

Our team will also consider an X-ray if you have a persistent cough or difficulty breathing. X-rays give us a good look at your lungs and respiratory system, including possible abnormalities like fluid accumulation, infections, or lung masses. They can also help us determine if you have bronchitis, pneumonia, or lung cancer.

3. Digestive issues

Digestive issues are difficult to diagnose as their symptoms often overlap with many conditions. If you experience persistent digestive problems, an X-ray can help our team discover the underlying issue. X-rays help identify problems in the esophagus, intestines, stomach, and colon.

By capturing detailed images of the digestive tract, an X-ray can provide insights into the functioning and health of your gastrointestinal system, enabling our medical team to recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Potential side effects of X-rays

While X-rays are generally safe, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. The radiation exposure from X-rays is minimal, but it's essential to consider the potential risks, particularly with repeated or prolonged exposure.

Radiation exposure

X-rays use radiation to capture images of the body's internal structures. While the radiation dose is relatively low, repeated exposure over time can increase the cumulative radiation dose. 

Allergic reactions

In rare cases, some people may experience allergic reactions to the contrast agents used during certain types of X-ray procedures, such as angiography or barium studies. Contrast agents contain substances that help enhance the visibility of certain structures or organs in the X-ray images. 

Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes and itching to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. Healthcare professionals are trained to monitor patients during these procedures and immediately act if an allergic reaction occurs.

At Rapid City Healthcare in Irving, Texas, we strive to provide our patients with the highest level of medical care, and accurate diagnostics play a crucial role in achieving this goal. X-rays are an invaluable tool enabling our medical team to identify and evaluate various medical conditions, ranging from fractures and infections to tumors and digestive issues.

If you have any concerns or questions about needing an X-ray or any other medical imaging procedure, please don't hesitate to contact us today or schedule an appointment online.