Chest X-ray in Turkey: Accurate and affordable diagnosis

When is a chest x-ray recommended?

In general, a chest x-ray is ordered for

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea): Shortness of breath, especially if it worsens or comes on suddenly.
• Persistent or severe cough: A cough that does not get better after a few weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, or coughing up blood.
• Chest trauma: If you have had a blow to the chest (to check for broken bones or lung damage).
• Fever: A persistent fever, especially if other respiratory symptoms accompany it, may indicate a lung infection.

In addition to analyzing the lungs, a chest X-ray provides a detailed look at several other aspects of the body, including

• The heart: size, shape, position, abnormalities (valvulopathies, pericardial tamponade).
• Abnormalities of the blood vessels that connect the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body (aorta).
• Recovery and complications after thoracic surgery.
• The location and proper function of pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, and cardiac catheters.

A chest x-ray provides only a static image of the lungs and thorax. Other tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) or lung scan, may be needed for a more accurate diagnosis.

Steps in a chest X-ray

Before undergoing a chest x-ray in Turkey, the patient will have a preliminary consultation with the radiologist. This ensures that the patient is adequately prepared, both physically and psychologically. This consultation allows the patient to learn about the examination process and to allay any concerns.

On the day of the examination, the patient undresses completely, removing all clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses, and other metal objects that may interfere with the taking of the images. Under the guidance of the radiographer, the patient is placed in various positions in front of the X-ray machine to obtain complete images of the lungs.

During the procedure, you will need to remain still and breathe deeply as instructed by the radiologist. X-rays pass through your chest and create a digital image of your lungs.

The images obtained at the end of the procedure vary depending on the density of the tissue through which the X-rays pass. 

Risks associated with a chest x-ray

A chest x-ray is generally a safe and painless test. However, this imaging technique has potential risks, especially if it is repeated.

Although the radiation dose from a chest x-ray is low, repeated exposure can increase the risk of cancer. For example, high doses of X-rays can damage healthy cells, especially growing cells.

Exposure to X-rays can also increase the risk of cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye.

Pregnant women should tell their doctor before having a chest x-ray because x-rays can harm an unborn baby.

Why choose Turquie Santé for your health problems?

With Turquie Santé, taking care of your health becomes easier and more efficient than ever. We offer you privileged access to the best healthcare system in Turkey.

Our mission is to provide you with excellent medical care thanks to:

• A multidisciplinary team of highly qualified specialists.
• Accurate diagnosis and optimized treatment.
• Access to the best hospitals and clinics in Turkey.
• Clear, detailed estimates for informed decision-making.
• Transparent tracking of your medical file at all times.

We also provide personalized, tailor-made assistance through multilingual interpreters (who speak your native language). In this way, you benefit from complete administrative support to make your stay as easy and stress-free as possible.

Don't hesitate to contact us to plan your medical stay in Turkey in complete safety!