For many people, radiation sickness is associated with something far and transcendental: with the bombing that occurred in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and mutants who still walk around the exclusion zone in Pripyat. Nevertheless, this is a fairly frequent and common disease, and almost everyone can get it. Therefore, it is best to become familiar with the symptoms and consequences.
Definition
If we talk about the characteristic of radiation sickness, then according to the medical reference book, this is an ailment arising from the destructive effect of ionizing radiation on all living beings.
The severity of the lesion will depend on certain factors:
- radiation dose;
- type of radiation;
- precise localization of the source of radiation.
Acute radiation sickness can be acquired if a person receives a radiation dose even above 100 rad. An indispensable condition is that a person must be irradiated for a short time and completely.
After radiation damage, cataracts, malignant tumors, irreversible changes in the reproductive system develop. Significantly reduced life expectancy.
When the received amount of radiation exceeds the permissible limits, the risk of the formation of a disease, which is called "radiation sickness" in accepted medicine, is significantly increased. It should be noted that radiation also provokes damage to the cardiovascular, hematopoietic, nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems.
A consequence of radiation sickness is that with prolonged exposure to the skin of an ionizing substance, some of the tissue simply dies, and internal organs are also affected. To avoid death, timely therapy is recommended without fail under the guidance of an experienced doctor. The sooner it is provided, the more chances a person has for a positive outcome.
Causes of radiation sickness
You can get sick with such a disease even due to short-term or single exposure to strong radiation, or through regular contact with small doses of radiation.
- In the first case, the causes are nuclear weapons or disasters, as well as the treatment of cancer.
- In the second case, the illness is acquired by hospital employees who need to work in departments with an x-ray machine, or patients who often do an x-ray. That is, the effects of radiation are acquired due to the fact that a person must deal with radiation due to his activities.
In each case, radioactive particles and neurons enter the body and damage internal organs. All changes occur at the molecular level. Initially, bone marrow is affected, as well as internal secretion systems, skin, intestines and other organs.
Classification
Radiation sickness in modern medical practice has several stages:
There are several types of radiation that cause the disease:
- A-radiation - an overestimated ionization density is characteristic of it, but, in turn, the penetrating ability is reduced;
- B-radiation - in this case, both penetrating ability and ionization are weak;
- Y-study - with it there is a deep damage to the skin in the area of its impact;
- neutron radiation - in this embodiment, there is an uneven damage to organs and tissue lining.
There are various phases of radiation sickness, which are divided into 4 types.
- The phase of the initial general reactivity - the temperature rises, the skin turns red and swelling appears.
- Latent phase - occurs 4–5 days after exposure. In this case, an unstable pulse, a decrease in pressure, a change in the skin, hair loss, and reflex sensitivity decreases, there is a problem with movement and motility.
- The phase of the revealed symptoms - it is characterized by vivid manifestations of the symptoms of radiation sickness, the circulatory and hematopoietic systems are affected, the temperature rises, bleeding is present, the mucous membrane of the stomach and other internal organs is affected.
- Recovery phase - at this stage, the patient's condition begins to improve, but, nevertheless, for a long time the so-called asthenovegetative syndrome is observed, in which hemoglobin in the blood drops sharply.
Depending on the damage to the body, 4 degrees of radiation exposure are distinguished:
- lightweight - with it, the exposure level is in the range from 1 to 2 Gray;
- medium - at this stage, the exposure level ranges from 2 to 4 Gray;
- heavy - the level of ionization is fixed in the range from 4 to 6 Gray;
- fatal - in this case, the exposure level should be more than 6 Gray.
When symptoms of the harmful effects of radiation are present, the treating doctor reveals not only the stage, but also the form of radiation sickness.
- Radiation injury - obtained in the case of simultaneous exposure to a radiation dose of less than 1 gram. This may cause slight nausea.
- Bone marrow - is typical and is diagnosed in case of simultaneous exposure from 1-6 grams.
- Gastrointestinal form of radiation sickness - occurs when the dose is between 10-20 grams, in which there is a stomach upset. The disease proceeds with severe enteritis and bleeding from the stomach.
- Vascular - exposure to the body of radiation of 20–80 grams (dose), radiation sickness is considered to be toxic. It proceeds with infectious-septic complications and fever.
- Cerebral - there is a dose of 80 grams. In this case, the death occurs 1-3 days after exposure due to cerebral edema.
Symptoms
Signs of the disease depend on the characteristics of the body, the main stages and the severity of the course of the disease.
The first phase is characterized by:
- minimal malaise;
- persistent vomiting
- drowsiness;
- the presence of constant nausea;
- low blood pressure;
- rare headaches;
- diarrhea;
- sudden loss of consciousness;
- increase in body temperature;
- finger tremor;
- redness of the skin with a appearing cyanotic shade;
- general malaise;
- decrease in muscle tone;
- increased ripple.
The second phase, in which there is an imaginary recovery, is characterized by:
- the beginning of the disappearance of previous signs;
- hair loss
- skin damage;
- muscle aches;
- gait changes and problems with hand motor skills;
- subsiding reflexes;
- "The effect of running eyes."
In the third phase, the following problems can be diagnosed:
- hemorrhagic syndrome, namely profuse bleeding;
- general malaise;
- ulcers form;
- the skin has a reddish tint;
- lack of appetite;
- the pulse quickens;
- there is increased bleeding and swelling of the gums;
- frequent urination;
- problems with the digestion of food begin;
- the blood-forming and circulatory systems are affected
The consequences of radiation sickness are very serious, so it is best to try to correctly recognize the symptoms in order to see a doctor in time.
First signs
A progressive disease is in the acute phase, which is characterized by a sharp deterioration in well-being, there is a decline in performance. The first signs of the disease include significant death of bone marrow cells, which are required to divide, so that the body can function properly. Because of this, hemodynamic disturbances are formed, which are disposed to skin lesions, infectious complications and problems from the stomach. Initial signs develop with dizziness, nausea and sore throat, bitterness in the mouth may be present.
Diagnostics
The consequences of radiation sickness are always very serious, but, nevertheless, it is better to recognize the ailment earlier in order to receive qualified help, for this the following examination methods are used:
- reception at the therapist;
- history taking;
- ultrasound examination;
- coagulogram;
- general, clinical and biochemical blood analysis;
- brain examination;
- back sowing;
- endoscopy;
- chromosome analysis on hematopoietic cells;
- CT scan;
- electroencephalography;
- dosimetric analyzes of feces, blood and urine.
First aid
The periods of the course of radiation sickness can be different, but most often the disease develops very rapidly, so the actions of doctors should be quick. The disease causes irreversible health effects, therefore it is extremely important to suppress the symptoms of the acute phase in time.
First aid includes the following resuscitation measures:
- evacuation of a victim from the place of receiving radiation exposure;
- washing the affected mucosa with 2% sodium bicarbonate solution, as well as cleaning the stomach using a probe;
- then the open wound is treated with purified water, while aseptic rules are unconditionally observed;
- further, intramuscular injection of 5% Unithiol solution in the amount of 6-10 ml is carried out to actively remove radiation from the body;
- intramuscular administration of ascorbic acid, antihistamines, a hypertonic solution of glucose and calcium chloride is also performed.
Treatment
The following measures are recommended for therapy:
- emergency care after infection - clothes are removed, the stomach is cleaned and the body is washed;
- anti-shock therapy is performed;
- sedative complexes are used;
- components that block the formed problems in the intestines and stomach are taken;
- detoxification of the body;
- physical exercise;
- patient isolation;
- taking antibacterial drugs;
- in particular, antibiotics are prescribed in the first few days;
- in severe cases, bone marrow transplantation is prescribed.
The hematologist and therapist of the patient choose the treatment paths exclusively. Sometimes additional consultation with a gastroenterologist, oncologist, proctologist, gynecologist, or other highly specialized doctors is required.
Life span
The prognosis of radiation sickness is not very good, since this ailment most often causes irreversible ailments. Regardless of the degree of radiation damage, life expectancy is reduced. If everything went smoothly, then with the right treatment, the person will live a long and happy life, but if the dose of radiation was significant, even with all rehabilitation measures, the person will die in a few days.
Effects
The greatest danger this disease brings to children and adolescents. Ions actively affect cells during their growth. There is also a serious threat for pregnant women, since the stage of intrauterine development is very vulnerable, therefore, radiation can negatively affect the development of the fetus.
Those exposed to radiation are at risk from the following:
- damage to the endocrine, digestive, central nervous, reproductive, hematopoietic and circulatory systems, as well as individual organs;
- there is also a significant risk of developing cancer processes in the body.
Mutations
As already mentioned, the effects of radiation are not reversible, and they can also appear after several generations. Mutations caused by radiation sickness are not yet fully understood by doctors. However, the fact of their existence is established. A relatively young science - genetics - is engaged in this area. The disease causes chromosomal changes in the genes themselves, which can be either recessive or dominant.
Prevention
In the prevention and prevention of radiation exposure is the observance of all basic rules and norms when working with radioactive substances. Absolute ways to protect against the disease does not exist. The only and more effective method of protection is shielding. There are drugs that can make the body less sensitive to radiation. It is recommended to use vitamins B6, C and P, as well as certain anabolic and hormonal agents. Scientists also came up with drugs to prevent radiation sickness, but there is practically no effect on them, and the list of adverse reactions is too long.
The "father" of the atomic bomb
It is required to note that work on nuclear projects began both in the USA and the USSR. In August 1942, a secret “Laboratory No. 2” began its work in one of the facilities of the courtyard of Kazan University. Igor Kurchatov was appointed the founder and the main figure of the project . In the same year, the secret “Metallurgical Laboratory” began its work in the building of an old school in New Mexico in the town of Los Alamos. Robert Oppenheimer was appointed manager. The American creator of the atomic bomb took three years. In July 1945, the first works were tried at the training ground, and in August of that year, two bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It took 7 years for Russia to create its prototype, the first explosion was made at a training ground in 1949.
It is required to note that American physicists were initially stronger. Only the Nobel laureates (held and future) - 12 people took part in the creation of the bomb. The only upcoming Soviet laureate Pyotr Kapitsa refused to work on the project.
It is required to note that the Americans were also helped by a group of English scientists who was sent to Los Alamos in 1943. Nevertheless, in Soviet times there was such a statement that the USSR solved the atomic problem on its own, and Kurchatov was called the domestic creator of the atomic bomb. Although there were rumors that several secrets were stolen from the Americans. And only after 50 years, in the 90s, one of the actors - Julius Khariton told everyone about the significant role of intelligence in accelerating the creation of the Soviet project. American technical and scientific work was mined by Klaus Fuchs, who arrived in the English group. So Robert Oppenheimer can be called the "father" of bombs on both sides of the ocean, as his ideas supported both projects. It is wrong to consider Oppenheimer, like Kurchatov, exclusively outstanding organizers, since their main achievement is scientific research. And it was thanks to them that they turned out to be the scientific leaders of such projects.
Chernobyl disaster
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant is located eleven kilometers from the Ukrainian-Belarusian border near the Pripyat River. The first buildings were built there in the 1970s. Due to the disaster, the construction of the third stage was never completed.
The people involved in the creation of power units laid a new city, which became known as Pripyat. The population in it was 75 thousand people.
The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant thundered on April 26, 1986 . The catastrophe became the largest in the history of atomic life.
At 01:24 Kiev time, two powerful explosions thundered, as a result of which the fourth power unit was completely destroyed. A huge fire began to flare up, after which all employees began to leave the territory.
The first victim of this terrible disaster was the operator of the main circulation pump - Valery Hodemchuk. Rescuers under the rubble could not find him. The explosion resulted in a huge release of radioactive substances.
A few minutes after the accident, a signal came to the fire department, and rescuers headed for the place. But due to the fact that the firefighters from the defense had only a helmet, gloves and a tarpaulin robe, they all earned a considerable dose of radiation. Therefore, after 20 minutes, they began to express serious consequences of radiation sickness:
- loss of consciousness;
- weakness;
- "Nuclear tan";
- vomiting
At 4 a.m., it turned out to put out a little fire on the roof of the engine room so that it would not spread to neighboring objects. At 6 o’clock the fire was completely extinguished. At the same time, the hospital was the second victim of the accident - Vladimir Shashenok, who was an employee of the commissioning plant. The reason for this was a fracture of the spine.
Active work was carried out from 9-12 hours, and rescuers helped to redirect victims to the hospital. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, it was clear that block 4 was completely destroyed, so radioactive substances entered the atmosphere.
In the evening, the government decided to evacuate the inhabitants of Pripyat and nearby facilities. And only the next day at noon this operation began to be organized. It was announced on the radio that there was an accident due to which a lot of radioactive substances got into the atmosphere.
Until the end of 1986, 116 thousand people were evacuated from 188 settlements that were in the “exclusion zone”.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The atomic bombing of two Japanese cities took place in 1945 on August 6 and 9. This is the only example in the human history of the use of nuclear weapons.
Such an implementation was carried out by the US Armed Forces at the ending stage of World War II.
On the morning of August 1945, the B-29 American bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, called the Little Boy (“Baby”), which was the equivalent of 13-18 kilotons of TNT. After 3 days, the Fat Man atomic bomb (“Fat Man”), which is considered the equivalent of 21 kilotons of TNT, was sent to the city of Nagasaki on a B-29 Bockscar bomber. According to statistics, the total number of victims reached 90–166 thousand in Hiroshima, and from 60–80 thousand people in Nagasaki.
In connection with such events, surrender was declared by Japan on August 15, 1945. This act formally ended the Second World War; it was signed in September 1945 in 1945.