X-rays play a key role in detecting diseases like tuberculosis (TB) by allowing doctors to see inside the chest and assess the condition of the lungs without surgery.
Here’s how they help in TB detection:
- Chest Imaging – A chest X-ray produces a detailed image of the lungs, ribs, and surrounding tissues.
- Identifying TB Signs – TB often causes changes in lung tissue, such as:
- White patches or cloudy areas (indicating infection or inflammation)
- Cavities or holes in the lungs
- Scarring or fibrotic changes
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest
- Early Detection – Even before severe symptoms appear, an X-ray can reveal abnormal lung patterns, aiding early diagnosis.
- Monitoring Treatment – Repeated chest X-rays during therapy help doctors check whether the infection is healing or progressing.
- Screening in High-Risk Groups – In areas with high TB prevalence, X-rays are used to quickly screen large numbers of people for possible infection.
While a chest X-ray alone cannot confirm TB (because other diseases can look similar), it is a fast, non-invasive tool that guides further testing, such as sputum microscopy or molecular diagnostics.