RADIATION SICKNESS

Types

Sources of high-dose radiation include the following:

• Nuclear industrial facility accidents and attacks
• Radioactive device detonation
• Explosive detonation dispersing radioactive material
• Nuclear weapon detonation

Radiation sickness happens when high dose radiation damages or destroys cells in the body. The regions of the body which are at risk are the gastrointestinal tract and the bone marrow.

Symptoms

The severity of signs and symptoms of radiation sickness is determined by the amount of radiation the body has absorbed. This is dependent on the strength of the radiated energy and the space between the individual and the source of radiation.

Initial signs and symptoms of radiation illness are nausea and vomiting. The period between exposure and the symptoms determine how much radiation the body has absorbed.

After the primary signs and symptoms, the person may fall ill, followed by more critical symptoms.

In general, the higher your radiation exposure, the more rapid and more severe your symptoms will be.

Signs and symptoms of radiation sickness include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Bloody vomiting and stools
• Infections
• Poor wound healing
• Low blood pressure

Diagnosis

When a person has experienced exposure to a high dose of radiation, medical personnel take several steps to verify the absorbed radiation dose.

This involves obtaining information about the following:

• Distance of the person from the source of radiation and duration of exposure
• Vomiting and different symptoms
• Blood tests, especially those that focus on blood cell counts, and irregular changes in DNA, as well as extent of bone marrow damage.
• Dosimetry to measure the absorbed dose of radiation
• Survey meter to know the location of radioactive particles

Medications/Treatment

The goal is to prevent further radioactive contamination, treat life-threatening accidents, minimize symptoms, and control pain and suffering.

Decontamination is the elimination of radioactive particles in the body such as taking away apparel and shoes. Washing with soap and water eliminates radiation particles from the skin.

Decontamination prevents additional distribution of radioactive materials. It also lowers the chance of contamination from the environment.

A protein called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor may be given to stimulate regrowth of bone marrow cells. Transfusions of red blood cells or blood platelets may also be given for blood loss and bleeding.

Some treatments may reduce injury to inside organs, such as the following:

• Potassium iodide, a nonradioactive form of iodine
• Prussian blue
• Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid