A disease such as radiation sickness is a consequence of exposure to the human body of ionizing radiation. There are two forms of this pathology: chronic and acute. In the first case, the disease occurs as a result of prolonged exposure in doses that significantly exceed permissible norms. The chronic form may appear after a few months, and in some cases after several years. On the contrary, the acute form of radiation sickness manifests itself almost immediately after receiving short-term exposure.
Radiation sickness, the symptoms of which largely depend on the nature of the exposure, proceeds differently. So, the acute form is characterized by the presence of four phases, each of which has its own symptomatology.
During the first three days, the patient can observe dyspeptic and neuro-regulatory disorders, as well as redistributive shifts in the blood picture. If you do not take the appropriate measures on time, then the changes continue to grow, and in those tissues and organs that are most radiosensitive. With the further development of this disease, a deep lesion of the circulatory system is observed, complications of an infectious nature occur, immunity is markedly inhibited. Hemorrhagic manifestations are noted on the skin. Untimely assistance leads to profound impaired consciousness. A coma may occur.
Acute radiation sickness has four degrees of severity. If the first three are usually characterized by a favorable outcome, then the fourth degree, which is extremely severe, is far from always treatable. The likelihood of death in this case increases significantly.
As for the chronic form of this pathology, it refers to a complex clinical syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of changes in various systems and organs, as well as the undulation and duration of the course. In its early stages, it manifests itself as a violation of neurovascular regulation. Functional insufficiency develops a little later, and then structural damage to systems and organs occurs.
A chronic form of radiation sickness portends the development of tumors of the most diverse localization. Radiation sickness, the treatment of which directly depends on its form, suggests the presence of three stages of therapeutic measures. First of all, it is the identification of the source of radiation and the transportation of victims over a considerable distance from it. Emergency ambulance events are held right there. And, finally, diagnostic and therapeutic measures in full in a hospital or clinic depending on the degree of damage.
Emergency care comes down to alleviate vomiting, eliminate collapse, anesthetize and immobilize. In the event that there are clear signs of radioactive contamination of the skin, then decontamination measures are taken. When injured, antiseptic dressings are applied to areas of maximum pollution.
In general, radiation sickness involves symptomatic treatment. In any case, bed rest and a strict diet are indicated. With detoxification, intravenous infusions of saline solutions, hemodez and plasma substitutes are indicated. Antiemetics are mandatory , as well as those drugs that displace radioactive substances from the patient’s body. Treatment of radiation sickness is not complete without replacement and antibacterial therapy.
The more severe the degree of damage, the less likely it is that stimulant therapy will have a positive effect. Most likely, a reverse reaction will occur, namely, the depletion of the body will accelerate, thereby bringing a fatal outcome. In such situations, replacement therapy should be performed.