How many x-rays are too many?

Due to numerous illnesses my 2 year old has had over 7 chest x-rays over the past year. He has also had an MRi, CT Scan and Echo completed. Now the doctor wants another x-ray, I'm so afraid that this is too much for his little body. Any experts out there that can let me know at what point does x-ray usage become damaging? Thanks.

It is always concerning where you child is involved, and there is always a small risk with the use of X-rays (or any other medical procedure for that matter). However, the point to remember is that the risk is relative. In terms of ionizing radiation exposure (X-rays are one type of ionizing radiation), we are typically subjected to a dose of about 100 mrem (millirems) per year from cosmic radiation and other background sources. A millirem is 1/1000 of a rem (roentgen equivalent man) which is a measure of radiation dosage. A chest X-ray is about 5-10 mrem. Even several chest X-rays are a small additional dose in relative terms. As a comparison, it would take about 400,000 mrem for a fatal dose (and this would have to be a single dose, not a series of doses). The dosage required to show an increase in cancer is interestingly (to me, at least) in excess of the fatal dosage. So, the actual risk of cancer or any other complications from the dosages your two-year old has received is very small.

I understand your concern and agree that the number of X-rays is of concern, but if they turn out to diagnose the illnesses, then it is well worth the small risk. If you are still concerned, you should feel free to talk to your physician.

By the way, the MRI (magenetic resonance imaging) and Echo do not involve X-rays or ionizing radiation.

Here are a couple of websites that may help:

http://www.blackcatsystems.com/GM/safe_r...

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/healt...

That is because of the illness.... As long as is not all the year like that i think should be all rite.. MRI does not contain of any radioactive agent, CT scan has a little and ECHO is not radioactive....

x-rays aren't damaging to the human body,
however if this is his seventh one, perhaps you should confront a different doctor to get a second opinion about your child and his illness.
2nd-even third opinions- can really help you out and broaden your knowledge of your son's illness and condition.

good luck!