Introduction
X-rays, CT (computed tomography), and fluoroscopy use radiation waves to create images or pictures of bones and organs in children. The use of radiation in children may damage or injure the internal organs. Children's tissues and skin are more sensitive than adults, so it is crucial to use radiation for their safety.
What Is Radiation?
In X-ray machines, electromagnetic waves are used in the combined form of electric and magnetic fields. It is produced in the form of an energy called radiation. When radiation is used very heavily, it may damage the internal organs and tissues. Radiations are emitted as electromagnetic waves from the source of light. The amount of radiation used in X-rays and CT scans produces many complications in children. Radiation has four types, namely.
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Alpha rays.
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Gamma rays.
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Beta rays.
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Neutrons.
Two Types of X Rays Are Performed for Children, as Follows
Chest X Ray: This x-ray provides images of the lungs and finds any abnormalities present in the lungs.
Skeletal X Ray: It is used to find abnormalities in bones, joints, and their functions.
Uses of Radiation:
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Radiation is used to treat some diseases, like cancer, to destroy the cells in the body.
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It is also used to preserve food for freshness.
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It is capable of producing heat, which is used in electricity generation.
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Radiation is used to reduce the symptoms of cancer.
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In agriculture, radiation is used to increase the production of food.
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It is also used to determine damages, injuries, or abnormalities in the body parts.
What Is Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is performed with the use of X-rays and protons with high-energy radiation to destroy the cancerous cells present in the child's body. Radiotherapy is also used to treat benign cancer (a tumor that is not spreadable), other diseases like thyroid cancer, and disorders of the blood.
In the early stages of cancer, radiotherapy is used to cure it. However, in severe cases, both radiotherapy and chemotherapy are performed for effective results in children.
How Much Radiation Is Safe for Children?
There is no specific amount of risk for children. Radiation exposure is not safe for children. It may produce or increase the risk of cancer. Radiation may produce tumors in the central nervous system after the treatment. One MSV of radiation per year is safer for the public. Using a CT scan and X-ray for only one time is safer, but using them many times may cause severe complications and even the death of a child.
What Are the Complications of Using Radiation on Children?
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Children may develop cancers such as leukemia, blood, breast, skin, brain, and thyroid cancer because their skin is softer than that of adults. They are more likely to have complications.
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Symptoms may include dryness, irritation, blistering (fluid in the skin becomes more painful while touching), or peeling of the skin in the treated area, which is treated with radiation.
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It also damages the skin and makes it darker and dry, causing itching.
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Some children are tired after the treatment is complete.
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Radiation also damages or alters the function of the tissues in the body.
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Nausea, vomiting, and hair loss also occur in children.
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Acute radiation syndrome also occurs when an increased amount of radiation is exposed to the body. It is also called radiation poisoning.
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High exposure to radiation in children could sometimes cause death.
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Oral-related problems like damage to the salivary glands and the secretion of saliva in very low amounts also occur with radiation exposure.
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Radiation primarily affects the hemopoietic system (blood system), spermatogenic cells, the vascular system, and the gastrointestinal tract.
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Children have a longer life expectancy, which increases their risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure.
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After the treatment is completed, disorders like dental caries and oral cavity necrosis (the presence of foreign invaders) are produced.
How Can People Ensure the Safety of Radiation for Children?
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Scientists and researchers showed that the current X-rays produce more complications in children. So, it is important to produce new X-ray scans for children.
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While using radiation to find images, maintain distance from the machines to avoid radiation harm.
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Devices should be free from damaging the X-rays of children.
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Exposure to radiation for a short period is important for children to reduce complications.
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Using a protective cloth during radiation exposure in children prevents damage to the skin and tissues.
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Guidelines should be maintained for preceding CT scans or X-rays in children. The average weight and size parameters included in this guidance are a must.
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Using specific radiation techniques for children with low doses.
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Scanning with CT or X-rays uses specific body parts to remove the whole body.
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Alternatives to radiation, like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), produce detailed images of the human body parts, and ultrasound (sound waves are used to find the parts of the body) techniques are used for minimal side effects in children.
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For the safety of children, less exposure and modified or new techniques are used to find images of body parts.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that X-rays, conventional X-rays, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy use less radiation and take into account the weight and age of children and adults when using these techniques.
Conclusion
Knowing about X-rays' benefits and risks helps manage a child's health. X-rays examine whether any diseases or illnesses affect children and adults. In conclusion, physicians must take more care while using radiation on children. Using low-energy radiation does not cause any harm to children.
