“Are X-rays safe for elderly people?”
My mother has been asked to do a 3rd X-ray in the last 2 weeks. Is it safe to do this many in such a short time span?
6 Answers
It’s always a risk versus benefit ratio, and sort the answer is yes as long as it is ordered by your physician for a reason
In modern times, X-rays are done using ALARA protocol regarding radiation exposure (as low as reasonably achievable). From a diagnostic viewpoint, that's quite safe.
Yes, the young are more vulnerable.
Yes. There is very minimal radiation from a plain X-ray and, if indicated, there is no harm in repeating it.
Any X-ray involves radiation. We never want to subject anyone to unnecessary radiation. I assume your mother’s doctor feels the X-rays are necessary. If you are uncomfortable about your mother getting additional xrays and are not sure why this is being requested by her doctor you should have a discussion with your mother’s doctor.
Yes. Nearly all diagnostic X-rays are safe for nearly all ages, with the frequency of repeats in "the elderly" also fine. Radiation effects, when more likely to cause damage to normal tissues (as in some radiation treatments) usually have a latency of onset of several years. Diagnostic X-ray exams are specifically designed to result in exposures that minimize or avoid such effects.
