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Understanding Radiation Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Alan Lucks | MD

Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on April 12th, 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • Acute radiation syndrome occurs when the body receives over 500 millisieverts (mSv) in a short period—50 times higher than a CT scan and 1,000 times normal annual background exposure.
  • Initial symptoms appear within hours: severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by a deceptive "walking ghost" phase where patients feel better for days to weeks before severe illness returns.
  • Exposure above 1,000 mSv causes significant bone marrow damage, destroying white blood cells and platelets, leaving patients vulnerable to infections and bleeding within 2-4 weeks.
  • Doses exceeding 10,000 mSv damage the gastrointestinal system and nervous system, typically proving fatal within days despite aggressive treatment.
  • Recovery requires months to years of intensive supportive care including growth factors to stimulate blood cell production, antibiotics, and potential stem cell transplantation for severe cases.

Radiation sickness, also known as acute radiation syndrome, occurs when a person is exposed to a large dose of high-energy radiation that penetrates the body and reaches internal organs. This condition is rare and typically requires exposure to far more radiation than one would receive from medical treatments like X-rays or CT scans.

Causes of Radiation Sickness

The most well-known cases of radiation sickness occurred after the atomic bombings at the end of World War II. Since then, there have been a few instances of radiation sickness, primarily involving workers in nuclear plants or those exposed to nuclear accidents, such as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

Measuring Radiation Exposure

Radiation exposure is measured in an international unit called a sievert (Sv). Symptoms of radiation sickness typically appear when a person is exposed to levels of more than 500 millisieverts (mSv), or half a sievert. Exposure to more than 4 to 5 Sv is likely to be fatal.

Understanding Radiation Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Symptoms of Radiation Sickness

The most common early symptoms of radiation sickness are similar to those of many other illnesses:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

These symptoms can start within minutes of exposure and may come and go for several days. Other symptoms may include skin damage, such as a severe sunburn or blisters, and hair loss, which may be permanent in some cases.

Treatment for Radiation Sickness

Treatment for radiation sickness focuses on fighting infections, replacing lost blood cells, and managing symptoms. Doctors may administer the following treatments:

  • Antibiotics to combat infections

  • Blood transfusions to replace lost blood cells

  • Medications to help bone marrow recover

  • Bone marrow transplant

  • Fluids and treatment for other injuries, such as burns

Recovery from radiation sickness can take up to two years, and survivors may face an increased risk of developing cancer in the future.

Protecting Yourself from Radiation Exposure

While the risk of radiation sickness is low for most people, it's essential to be aware of potential sources of high-energy radiation and take steps to protect yourself. If you work in the nuclear industry or live near a nuclear facility, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and follow any guidelines provided by your employer or local authorities.

In the event of a radiation emergency, seek medical help as soon as it is safe to do so. Early intervention can help minimize the effects of radiation exposure and improve your chances of a full recovery.

For more information on radiation safety and emergency preparedness, visit the following resources:

The Bottom Line

This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical evacuation and specialized treatment at facilities equipped for radiation emergencies. Early decontamination and supportive care within hours can significantly improve survival rates. If you've been exposed to radiation or are experiencing concerning symptoms after potential exposure, Doctronic can help assess your risk and guide next steps.

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