Radiation Poisoning Symptoms

Radiation poisoning is a condition that is commonly seen nowadays, due to the great surge in technology. Apart from man-made technological devices that emit radiation, there are many natural sources of radiation in the atmosphere as well. All these sources of radiation may not necessarily be the cause of radiation poisoning symptoms, but the exposure to these sources definitely adds up to the amount of radiation that we are exposed to, on a daily basis. The intensity and the forms of radiation poisoning symptoms that an individual shows, depends on two things – the strength of the absorbed radiated energy, and the distance between you and the source of this radiated energy.

Types of Radiation

Before we go further into the causes of radiation poisoning and radiation poisoning symptoms, you must understand what the sources of radiation are in our world today. Simply put, there are two types of radiation - ionizing and nonionizing. Nonionizing radiation generally does not cause us much damage and is known mainly to be emitted from natural sources. This radiation reaches us in the form of light, microwaves, radio waves and radar. Tissue damage or other radiation poisoning symptoms caused by these sources is very rarely seen. Read more on types of radiation.

The other form of radiation, ionizing radiation, is much more damaging and harmful for human beings. These radiations produce immediate chemical effects on human tissues and can cause great damage if there is continued exposure to them. Any radiation poisoning symptoms that you may see, are in all likelihood caused by these ionizing sources of radiation. The sources of ionizing radiation are as follows.

• X-rays
• Gamma rays
• Any form of particle bombardment
• Any kind of medical testing equipment. Read more on side effects of radiation therapy.
• Exposure to nuclear radiation caused by a nuclear accident or otherwise. Read more on effects of nuclear radiation.

Also read the following articles to learn more about radiation.

• Facts of Radiation
• Facts of Radiation - part 2

Prolonged exposure to any of these sources can be the cause of radiation poisoning symptoms in human beings as well as animals. A single large exposure to such sources is known as acute radiation exposure, and a prolonged exposure of smaller quantities over a period of time is known as chronic radiation exposure. Learn more by reading about some nuclear power plant disasters.

Radiation Poisoning Symptoms

Once the radiation reaches the body, it will try to combat the effects of the radiation. The degree of radiation poisoning will depend on the amount of time the person was exposed, the body part that was exposed, the genetic composition and the distance between the person and the source of exposure. Since it is extremely difficult to measure the degree of radiation poisoning in a person, the best ways to judge the severity of exposure are the time duration between exposure and the outburst of radiation poisoning symptoms, the severity of the radiation poisoning symptoms and the degree of changes in the White Blood Cells (WBC). Read more on radiation sickness - radiation poisoning.

Given below are a list of commonly seen radiation poisoning symptoms. If you or a family member or a friend are exhibiting any of these symptoms you must immediately visit a hospital and get yourself checked up.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Excessive diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Redness, blistering, tenderness or any inflammation of skin
• Fatigue, weakness and fainting
• Hair loss
• Bloody stool
• Open sores on the skin
• Bruising and sloughing of skin
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth and the gums
• Ulceration of the esophagus, stomach or intestines
• High fever
• Slow healing of wounds

Depending on what symptoms you exhibit and in what degree, the doctor will prescribe certain medications to deal with each and every symptom. He will also try to ascertain the source of this radiation and if it is found to be an avoidable source, you must do so by all means. These radiation poisoning symptoms are a clear indicator that you have been exposed to excessive radiation and are suffering from radiation poisoning. Corrective measures must be taken as soon as possible. The risk of cancer is also very high in people who are regularly being exposed to excessive amounts of ionized radiation.