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X-rays are specialised forms of photographs in which we can see various parts of the body such as the bones, the heart and lungs, and the bowels. They can help in the diagnosis of a large variety of conditions including broken or dislocated bones and pneumonia, and they can show up swallowed objects such as coins.
X-rays cause no pain or discomfort, but the large machinery may be frightening for young children, so it may be a good idea for you to stay with your child during the procedure. X-rays release small amounts of radiation, so make sure the staff provide both you and your child with protective lead aprons, especially around the genital area.
If you are pregnant, you should not allow yourself to be exposed to X-rays as they can be harmful to the developing foetus. The level of exposure to radiation from one X-ray is very small; it is the cumulative effect of many X-rays over time that can be dangerous. Your doctor will only order an X-ray for your child after careful consideration, and weighing up the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Sometimes your doctor will recommend that your child have a certain specialised X-ray using more involved techniques. This may involve the injection of some opaque dye into a small vein (for example in an intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, to diagnose problems of the kidney and urinary system), or drinking a solution of barium, to diagnose certain bowel disorders. These procedures may be a little more threatening for a child, and you should stay with him throughout. The staff are usually trained in working with children, and try to make the whole procedure as relaxed as possible. If your child is too distressed for the staff to perform the test, discuss with your doctor the possibility of mildly sedating him beforehand.
On the whole, X-rays are a great aid to accurate diagnosis in many circumstances. If you have any doubts or hesitations about allowing your child to have an X-ray, you should discuss these with your doctor.
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