Chest X-rays are often the first imaging modality used in pediatrics due to their wide availability and low radiation exposure. They are typically indicated for:
- Respiratory Infections: To diagnose conditions like pneumonia or bronchiolitis. - Congenital Heart Diseases: To identify structural abnormalities in the heart. - Foreign Body Aspiration: To locate any ingested objects causing respiratory distress. - Chronic Cough or Wheezing: To rule out other underlying conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis.
