Radiation Sickness

Radiation Sickness

Radiation sickness is defined as the damage to your body due to the exposure of radiations in a short period. It depends on the absorbing ability of the skin. It is also called radiation poisoning.

It is not occurred by a low dose of radiation which is normally used in x-rays and CT scan.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the severity of the radiation, time of exposure, the distance between you and radiation, duration of exposure etc. Radiation mostly effects on the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow.

Initial signs and symptoms include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Weakness and malaise
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure

Causes

Atoms are the source radiation. Radiation is a form of energy. High dose of radiation causes radiation sickness such as exposure during industrial work.

Following are the sources of high dose radiations:

• The detonation of a standard nuclear weapon
• The detonation of a small radioactive device
• An attack on a nuclear industrial facility
• An accident at a nuclear industrial facility

Complications

Complications are divided into long- and short-term mental health problems.

It included:

• Tension about the risk of cancer due to exposure of radiations
• Mourning friends or family who hasn’t survived
• Experiencing a radioactive accident or attack

Prevention

It is a well preventable sickness. The following recommendation will help you to prevent exposure of radiations:

• Close fireplace dampers
• Move to an inner room or basement.
• Turn off fans, air conditioners and heating units that bring air in from outside.

Diagnosis

If you have any history of exposures to radiation by accidental or at the workplace, then your doctor takes the following steps to rule out any complications.

• Blood tests
• Dosimeter to check the dose of absorbed radiations
• Survey meter to locate the radioactive particles

Treatment

The aim of the treatment is to avoid the further exposure of radiation and heal the ulcers and burns and to relieve the pain.

Supportive treatment

• Dehydration
• Burns
• Sores or ulcers
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting