Radiation sickness

Diagnosis  

When a person has been exposed to a high dose of radiation, medical personnel take certain steps to assess the absorbed radiation dose. This information is crucial for determining the severity of the illness, appropriate treatments, and the person’s likelihood of survival. 

To determine the absorbed dose, the following information is important: 

• Known exposure: Details about the distance from the radiation source and the duration of exposure can provide an estimate of the radiation sickness’s severity. 
• Symptoms: The time between radiation exposure and the onset of symptoms, particularly vomiting, can be a useful indicator of the absorbed radiation dose. An earlier onset of symptoms typically indicates a higher dose. The severity and timing of other symptoms also assist medical personnel in assessing the absorbed dose. 
• Blood tests: Regular blood tests conducted over several days help medical professionals identify decreases in disease–fighting white blood cells and abnormal changes in the DNA of blood cells. These factors indicate the extent of damage to the bone marrow, which is influenced by the absorbed dose. 
• Dosimeter: A dosimeter, if exposed to the same radiation event as the affected person, can measure the absorbed dose of radiation. 
• Survey meter: Devices like Geiger counters can be used to survey individuals and determine the location of radioactive particles within their bodies. 
• Type of radiation: As part of the overall emergency response to a radioactive accident or attack, identifying the type of radiation exposure is crucial. This information guides decisions regarding the treatment of individuals with radiation sickness. 

Treatment  

Reducing symptoms, managing pain, and treating life–threatening complications like burns and trauma are the main objectives of treatment for radiation sickness.  

Decontamination   

Decontamination is the process of removing external radioactive particles, which can be achieved by removing clothing and shoes, resulting in the elimination of approximately 90 percent of external contamination. Additionally, gently washing the skin with water and soap aids in the removal of further radiation particles. This crucial procedure serves to prevent the spread of radioactive materials and reduces the risk of internal contamination through inhalation, ingestion, or open wounds. 

Treatment for damaged bone marrow  

Granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G–CSF), a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells, can potentially mitigate the impact of radiation sickness on bone marrow. Medications containing G–CSF, such as filgrastim, sargramostim, and pegfilgrastim, can be administered to boost white blood cell production, aiding in the prevention of subsequent infections. In cases of severe bone marrow damage, transfusions of red blood cells or blood platelets may also be necessary.  

Treatment for internal contamination  

Certain treatments can help minimize the damage caused by radioactive particles to internal organs. These treatments are specifically used when a person has been exposed to a particular type of radiation. The treatments include: 

• Potassium iodide: This is a nonradioactive form of iodine. Iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function. When exposed to significant radiation, the thyroid gland may absorb radioactive iodine (radioiodine) along with regular iodine. By taking potassium iodide, it can fill the “gaps” in the thyroid, preventing the absorption of radioiodine. It is most effective if taken within a day of exposure, although it is not a comprehensive solution. 
• Prussian blue: This is a dye that can bind to radioactive elements like cesium and thallium. By binding to these particles, Prussian blue helps eliminate them from the body through feces. This treatment accelerates the excretion of radioactive particles, reducing the amount of radiation that cells may absorb.
• Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA): DTPA is a substance that binds to metals. It specifically binds to particles of radioactive elements such as plutonium, americium, and curium. By administering DTPA, these radioactive particles are excreted from the body through urine. As a result, the amount of radiation absorbed by the body is reduced.