Radiation Exposure
Overview
Causes
Ionizing radiation can come from:
- X-rays and CT scans
- Cancer treatment
- Radon—a gas in soil or water
- Work such as mining
- A nuclear accident or bomb
External Radiation Therapy for Cancer |
![]() |
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. |
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
High doses of radiation over a short period of time may cause:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Burns
- Loss of organ function
Low levels may not cause symptoms. Sometimes cancers grow years after exposure. They may be:
- Leukemia and multiple myeloma
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Breast cancer in women and men
- Stomach cancer
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment is based on the dose of exposure, the source, and the symptoms. The goal is to ease symptoms and reduce problems. It may include:
- Removing contaminated materials, such as clothing and shoes
- Showering with soap and warm water
- Taking medicines to:
- Treat pain, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Prevent or treat infection
- Treat contamination inside the body
- Having fluids and electrolytes—to prevent dehydration
- IV nutrition—if food cannot be taken by mouth
- Using ointments for burns and injuries
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.