Question
After a 2-year-old child had a fever and cough, the doctor suspected foreign body aspiration and performed a chest X-ray and radiography (including anteroposterior and lateral views of the throat, and anteroposterior view of the chest). The parents are concerned that giving the child too much radiation in a short period may harm their health and wonder if this could lead to diseases such as leukemia and thyroid cancer.
Answer
Excessive exposure to X-rays can have some effects on the body, but it requires long-term frequent exposure. A routine radiographic examination does not pose significant risk to children, so parents should not be overly concerned. It is advisable to focus on treating the child’s lung disease and wish for a speedy recovery.