RADIATION SICKNESS

 Basic information

description

Radiation sickness can develop from radiation therapy for medical reasons or after accidental exposure to radiation. Symptoms vary widely and are often temporary, depending on the radiation dosage and area radiated.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms may start in 30 minutes after severe exposure and in 24 to 48 hours after mild exposure.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Fatigue and shortness of breath.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Yeast infection in the mouth.
• Dry mouth and loss of taste.
• Swallowing difficulty.
• Worsening of tooth or gum disease.
• Hair loss; dry cough.
• Heart inflammation with chest pain.
• Burning, inflammation, or scarring of the skin.
• Permanent skin darkening.
• Bleeding spots anywhere under the skin.
• Anemia; sexual impotence.

causes

• Damage to the immune system and to healthy body tissues from high-dose radiation exposure.
• Exposure to low-dose radiation (e.g., x-ray exams) does not cause radiation sickness.

risk increases with

• Dose and rate of radiation treatment exposure.
• Amount of body area exposed to radiation treatment.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• If you work around radiation, learn and observe all safety regulations for yourself and for patients.
• Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.

expected outcomes

• If from radiation treatment, most side effects or complications disappear gradually afterward.
• If from radiation accidents not severe enough to cause immediate death, radiation sickness may not appear for years.

possible complications

• Increased risk of infections due to poor immune system function.
• Sterility or birth defects may occur.
• Increased risk of cancer especially bone marrow cancer or leukemia.
• With radiation treatment, other complications depend upon the area involved. Modern radiation equipment makes serious complications unlikely.
• Death is likely with severe radiation sickness.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about radiation exposure. Medical tests may include blood studies of hemoglobin, platelet counts and white blood cell counts, x-rays of treated areas, and dosimetry (test to detect and measure radiation exposure).
• Hospital care is usually needed. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing infections. Treatment may include drugs, fluids given through a vein (IV), blood transfusions, and surgery.
• Surgery to treat wounds or bone-marrow transplant may be needed for severe exposure.
• Use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy until it is determined that it is safe to have children. Genetic counseling may be recommended.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Antinausea drugs and/or pain relievers.
  • Drugs to promote the growth of blood cells.
  • Blood transfusions for anemia.
  • Antibiotics to fight infections.
  • Antidiarrheal drugs.
  • Sedatives if sleeping is a problem.
  • Drugs to counter the effects of radiation.

activity

Be as active as your strength allows. Rest often.

diet

Eat a balanced diet. You may need a liquid diet for a short time or you may want to prepare food in a blender if you have trouble swallowing. Intravenous (IV) feeding or use of a small stomach tube is also possible until you can resume normal eating.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member is accidentally exposed to radiation.
• Feelings of illness occur during radiation treatment, especially if there are unexpected symptoms.
• Signs of infection develop, such as fever and chills, muscle aches, headache, and dizziness, during or after exposure or treatment.

Special Notes: