A persistent, hacking cough can be frustrating and lead to other uncomfortable issues like muscle strain, difficulty breathing, insomnia, stress incontinence, or even cracked ribs.
Our on-site imaging services often provide same-day answers, helping you get the treatment you need to start feeling better fast.
What Is an X-Ray?
An X-ray is a type of electromagnetic radiation that passes through your body to generate high-quality pictures of your internal tissues, bones, and organs. Because they are fast, easy, and non-invasive, chest X-rays are particularly useful for checking the overall health of your lungs, heart, and ribcage.
These black, white, and gray images help diagnose several conditions, diseases, injuries, and illnesses.
Is a Chest X-Ray Safe?
Yes. A chest X-ray for a cough is generally safe. The amount of radiation used is very small and considered minimal compared to the benefits of accurate diagnostic information.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider or one of our skilled ClearChoiceMD X-ray technicians.
What Can a Chest X-Ray Diagnose?
A chest-X-ray can help healthcare providers diagnose many conditions, including:
- Lung issues (e.g., emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, cancer, collapsed lung, etc.)
- Heart-related lung problems (e.g., fluid in your lungs)
- Heart conditions (e.g., congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy (heart disorders), congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, etc.)
- Blood vessel problems (e.g., aneurysm, congenital heart disease)
- Broken bones and rib cage injuries
- Pleuritis (inflammation)
- Calcium deposits
Will a Chest X-Ray Show Pneumonia?
Yes, getting a chest X-ray for a cough can help your healthcare provider diagnose pneumonia.
Pneumonia appears as white or hazy shadows on the lungs, which are normally dark on a chest X-ray. Radiologists will look for white spots (infiltrates) because they often mean an infection is present.
X-rays can also help determine the extent and location of the infection, helping your healthcare provider determine the best treatment plan.
An urgent care chest X-ray for a cough or pneumonia diagnosis can also identify complications, like abscesses or pleural effusions (fluid surrounding the lungs). Our on-site X-ray services help ensure you often get the same-day treatment you need and deserve.
Can Urgent Care Do a Chest X-Ray?
Yes. At ClearChoiceMD, our on-site X-ray machines allow us to identify, diagnose, and treat the root cause of your cough, all on the same day. You deserve exceptional urgent care that’s focused on your health and wellness.
Whether you need a chest X-ray on a weekend, evening, or holiday, our services are typically available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering peace of mind faster and at a lower cost than an emergency room visit. Belmont location hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, while Portsmouth and Seabrook locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
If you think your condition may need an X-ray, please call ahead to the clinic to ensure X-ray services are available that day.
If your chest pain is intense, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating, or difficulty breathing, please visit your nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Worried About a Cough? Get a Chest X-Ray at ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care
If you’re worried about a lingering cough that’s rattling your chest, visit a ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care center near you for comprehensive chest X-ray services and exceptional treatment.
Our skilled providers will X-ray your chest using our on-site imaging services, analyze the images, and provide effective same-day treatment to help you feel better fast.
If your case requires a higher level of care, we will arrange transport to the closest emergency room.
Visit one of our ClearChoiceMD centers in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont for exceptional urgent care with chest X-ray services. Or save your spot in line to get the treatment you need to feel better fast.
