Radiation syndrome, also known as acute radiation sickness or radiation poisoning, is a medical condition that occurs due to excessive exposure to ionizing radiation. It refers to a range of symptoms and health effects that manifest in individuals exposed to high levels of radiation within a short period. It is caused by both external and internal exposure to radiation sources, such as nuclear accidents, atomic bombs, or occupational exposure in nuclear power plants or medical settings.
The severity of radiation syndrome depends on the radiation dose received, the duration of exposure, and the distance from the radiation source. There are four stages of radiation syndrome, namely prodromal, latent, manifest illness, and recovery or death.
Initial symptoms, known as the prodromal stage, may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and headache. The latent stage follows, during which symptoms may temporarily improve or disappear, leading to a false sense of recovery. However, the manifest illness stage, which occurs within days or weeks, presents with more serious symptoms like fever, infection, organ failure, bleeding, and potentially lethal damage to the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system.
The diagnosis of radiation syndrome is typically based on the individual's medical history, physical examination, and blood tests that reveal abnormal changes in blood cell counts and DNA damage. Treatment involves supportive care to manage symptoms, prevent infections, and encourage the body's recovery, such as blood transfusions, antibiotics, pain relief, and hydration. However, the prognosis of radiation syndrome depends on the radiation dose received, with higher doses having a greater chance of being fatal.
