2006-12-14 22:38:56 · 13 answers · asked by two_rose_tattoo 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Thank you all! I was leaning towards not going today... your answers have really helped!
2006-12-14 22:48:12 · update #1
Chest pain is a vague complaint. It may be related to the heart and a chest xray would image the size and shape of the heart although it is not capable of visualizing the arteries of the heart. It will however visualize the aorta or large artery as it exits from the heart and the aorta is sometimes but not often a source of pain. Infections of the lungs and inflammation of the covering of the lungs may cause chest pain. Pathologic changes in the ribs may lead to pain and these may be found in those with cancer. Damage to a segment of the lungs due to a blood clot may also lead to pain. There are more reasons but I believe that this will give you some idea of the possibilities. I would not be alarmed as the physician would have told you if something truly serious were being considered. I wish you the very best of health.
2006-12-15 00:08:46 · answer #1 · answered by john e russo md facm faafp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chest pain is a very common syptom that can have many causes. The doctor requests for an x-ray to visualize whats inside the chest cavity or on its wall that causes the pain.
Chest pain can be caused by a range of diseases from the esophagus, the heart, the lungs, the diaphragm, broken bones in the chest etc. An x ray is necessary to rule in and rule out certain disease processes.
2006-12-14 22:46:09 · answer #2 · answered by coldflesh 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For many reasons. The xray could be to check for broken ribs or a cracked sternum. They can also be used to examine the lungs and heart. If they see anything in the xrays they usually proceed from there
2006-12-14 22:48:33 · answer #3 · answered by Mikki 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ask your doctor why? Chest x-rays are one of the most common procedures when you visit an emergency room. Could you be congested? Pneumonia? Collapsed lung? Broken rib? They have to see to know to be able to give a proper diagnosis.
2006-12-14 22:45:05 · answer #4 · answered by Doug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband had chest pain and we ended up in the ER...he did have a heart attack. They did chest Xrays to determine if his heart was enlarged. I hope this helps!
2006-12-14 22:43:58 · answer #5 · answered by Christina J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are usually checking to make sure you don't have a lung infection or pluracy. Those are the easiest thing to diagnose and treat and want to rule them out before running more extensive tests such as an EEG or EKG.
2006-12-14 22:45:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a method of elimination. The x-ray is to evaluate the sternum and rib area to make certain there are no problems there causing the pain.
2006-12-14 22:41:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chest pain could be anything and he's checking to make sure what the problem is.
2006-12-14 23:32:06 · answer #8 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dear friend ..i am a doctor ..... the reason we send for x_ray is that we like to see ...patient might not be suffreing from lung infection , his chest bones must not be displaced or diseased.
2006-12-14 23:12:11 · answer #9 · answered by greatmangentletrue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To see if you've got anything in your lungs or a clot or whatnot.
2006-12-14 22:40:27 · answer #10 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋