A chest X-ray is a diagnostic test that creates images of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, airways, and the bones of the chest and spine. It is a quick, noninvasive, and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the chest. A healthcare provider might prescribe a chest X-ray for various reasons, including:

• Lung and heart problems: Chest X-rays can provide detailed information about the size, shape, and condition of the lungs and heart. They can detect abnormalities or fluid buildup around the heart, collapsed lungs, pneumonia, cancer, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory ailments.

• Broken bones: Chest X-rays can help diagnose and treat broken ribs and other bone injuries.

• Infections: Chest X-rays can detect infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

• Monitoring treatment: Chest X-rays can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for respiratory illnesses and health conditions such as emphysema, congestive heart failure, and lung cancer.

• Screening: Chest X-rays are often used to screen for lung and heart problems.

A chest X-ray can also reveal fluid in or around the lungs or air surrounding a lung. If you go to your doctor or the emergency room with chest pain, a chest injury, or shortness of breath, you will typically get a chest X-ray. The image helps your doctor determine whether you have heart problems, a collapsed lung, pneumonia, broken ribs, emphysema, cancer, or any of several other conditions.