10 Radiation Symptoms

By sandy

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Lanes, Olivia, and David Cheng. 'Radiation Sickness.' NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 21 July 2015, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/radiation-sickness/
• 2. 'Radiation Therapy Side Effects.' American Cancer Society | Information and Resources About for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/effects-on-different-parts-of-body.html
• 3. 'Radiation-Induced Vasculopathy.' A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 11 2020, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/r/radiation-induced-vasculopathy.html
• 4. 'Radiation - Radiation Sickness.' Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/science/radiation/Radiation-sickness
• 5. Acute Radiation Syndrome. Professor Robert B. Laughlin, Department of Physics, Stanford University, large.stanford.edu/courses/2017/ph241/bae1/

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Radiation sickness, radiation poisoning or acute radiation syndrome, also known as ARS, happens when the body is exposed to radiation for a short period of time, but long enough for it to penetrate the skin and reach the organs.¹Lanes, Olivia, and David Cheng. ‘Radiation Sickness.’ NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 21 July 2015, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/radiation-sickness/ Historical examples include the bombing of Hiroshima and the reactor explosion at Chernobyl.

While radiation sickness is rare, there are instances where patients may be exposed to radioactive substances. Radiation is also used in the treatment of certain diseases such as cancer. Depending on the area of treatment, the symptoms may vary. For instance, radiation of the mouth could lead to tooth decay.²‘Radiation Therapy Side Effects.’ American Cancer Society | Information and Resources About for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/effects-on-different-parts-of-body.html

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the early signs of exposure to radiation. The effects can take place within minutes to days of exposure, and the severity will depend on the level of exposure and type of radiation. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which needs immediate medical intervention.

Those undergoing radiation therapy may need to follow a special diet to counter the effects of diarrhea. Liquid diets and frequent small meals may help, and when diarrhea improves, meals can include small amounts of low-fiber foods. It's also important to take in enough potassium as it allows the body to absorb nutrients better.²‘Radiation Therapy Side Effects.’ American Cancer Society | Information and Resources About for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/effects-on-different-parts-of-body.html