Radiation Sickness

Radiation sickness, also known as acute radiation syndrome, manifests when an individual absorbs a substantial amount of ionizing radiation. The severity of this condition is directly related to the amount absorbed. Initial symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, dizziness, and hair loss. High doses of radiation elevate the long-term risk of cancer, especially thyroid cancer if the thyroid absorbs radioactive iodine. Essential treatments include managing injuries or infections and maintaining proper hydration. Potassium iodide might be administered to mitigate thyroid absorption of radioactive iodine, thereby reducing the cancer risk.

Causes

Radiation sickness emerges from exposure to significant doses of ionizing radiation over a short period. Key causes include:

• High-dose exposure from nuclear reactor accidents or nuclear weapon detonation, which release large amounts of radiation.

• Use of radiological weapons.

• Accidents involving radioactive materials in medical or industrial settings.

• Consuming contaminated food or water, leading to internal contamination.

• Note that enduring low-level radiation exposure, like medical imaging, typically doesn't result in radiation sickness.

Symptoms

Radiation sickness symptoms can vary based on the absorbed dose and appear in phases:

• Early Symptoms: These include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite shortly after exposure, indicating the exposure level.

• Progressive Symptoms: As illness progresses, diarrhea, headaches, fever, dizziness, disorientation, and hair loss may develop.

• Advanced Symptoms: Severe cases might involve low blood pressure and internal bleeding. Fatigue and infections follow weakened immunity.

• Symptom Phases: Initial symptoms may dissipate temporarily before returning more severely.

Immediate medical attention is crucial if high radiation exposure is suspected for effective symptom management.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of radiation sickness involves assessing radiation exposure levels and bodily effects. Clinicians consider exposure distance and duration to estimate absorbed doses. Rapid onset of symptoms such as vomiting signifies a higher dose reception. Regular blood tests monitor reductions in white blood cell counts and detect bone marrow damage. Dosimeters measure doses, while Geiger-Muller counters detect bodily radioactive particles. Identifying radiation type is critical for treatment planning and prognosis estimation.

Treatments

To address radiation sickness, focus on stabilizing the patient, symptom relief, and preventing further harm. Key steps include:

• Decontamination: Remove radioactive particles by discarding exposed clothing and washing the body.

• Medications: Stimulate bone marrow to boost blood cell production using drugs like filgrastim or pegfilgrastim.

• Internal Contamination Management: Administer agents such as Potassium Iodide and Prussian blue to block or expel radioactive substances.

• Supportive Care: Manage nausea, vomiting, and prevent infections to aid recovery.

Medications

Various medications assist in treating radiation sickness symptoms and minimizing damage:

• G-CSF (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor): Enhances bone marrow recovery, increasing white blood cell production, with drugs like filgrastim, sargramostim, and pegfilgrastim.

• Potassium Iodide: Protects the thyroid from radioactive iodine.

• Prussian Blue: Expels radioactive cesium and thallium via intestinal processes.

• DTPA (Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate): Removes plutonium, americium, and curium, minimizing internal contamination.

Prevention

Minimize radiation sickness risk with these guidelines:

• In nuclear incidents, seek immediate indoor shelter.

• Remove clothing to decrease contamination and shower to wash off radioactive particles.

• Follow official announcements and stay indoors until instructed otherwise.

• Have an emergency kit ready with food, water, and a first-aid kit.

• If exposed, seek medical attention promptly.