Simply the answer is NO. Radiation sickness is a condition that can occur when a person is exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. It is damage to the body caused by exposure to a hefty radiation dose; generally, you don’t see it with diagnostic tests that use low energy. The absorbed dose is nothing but the amount of radiation absorbed by the body that determines how sick you’ll be.
The most common cause of radiation sickness is exposure to radioactive materials, which can also occur after radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, and other sources.
The initial symptoms of radiation sickness are usually nausea and vomiting. The time between exposure and onset of symptoms is a clue to how much radiation is absorbed. Symptoms of radiation sickness include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hair loss, skin irritation, and more. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of radiation exposure and the person’s overall health.
Risk factors for radiation sickness include:
- Working with radioactive materials.
- Living in areas with high levels of background radiation.
- Having specific medical procedures.
Diagnosis of radiation sickness is typically made by measuring the person’s exposure to radiation and considering their symptoms.
Radiation sickness treatment aims to prevent radioactive contamination, treat life-threatening injuries like burns and trauma, treat symptomatic treatment, and manage pain. Treatment of radiation sickness is typically supportive, such as providing fluids and rest. Treatment of bonemarrow suppression is with Filgastrim. End-of-life care for radiation sickness typically includes hospice care and support for the person’s symptoms.
When to see a doctor for radiation sickness depends on the person’s symptoms and exposure.
Complications of radiation sickness can include organ damage, cancer, and even death.
Prevention of radiation sickness includes avoiding exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation and using protective clothing and equipment when working with radioactive materials.
We do X-rays, CT scans and stereotactic radiosurgery but we rarely find the radiation sickness at Dr Raos Hospital.