Definition:
Radiation sickness the damage to the body due to exposure to a very large dose of radiation usually received over a short period of time. The condition is also referred to as acute radiation sickness, acute radiation syndrome, or radiation poisoning.
Diagnosis:
The dose of radiation experienced by an exposed person is determined by knowing the details of the known exposure, manifesting symptoms such as vomiting, testing for disease-fighting white blood cells and abnormality in the DNA of blood cells. Certain devices are such as a dosimeter and survey meter are used to determine the amount of radiation absorbed by the exposed individual.
Treatment:
Patients are treated to prevent reduce symptoms and prevent further radioactive contamination. They may also receive treatment to damaged organs.
Symptoms and Signs:
The strength and amount of exposure experienced by a patient determines the severity of his or her sickness. Patients with a treatable condition may initially experience nausea and vomiting. Other patients with a more serious condition experience a period of no apparent illness.
Causes:
The condition is due to exposure to a high dose of radiation, which may be received during an industrial accident , detonation of a small radioactive device as well as a conventional explosive device that disperses radioactive material and a standard nuclear weapon.
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