How is radiation sickness treated? Radiation damage to the oral cavity, treatment

RADIATION SKIN INJURIES

Etiology. The cause of skin damage from exposure to ionizing radiation is alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, X-ray radiation, however, skin damage caused by them is clinically identical and is divided into acute and chronic. Alpha particles are retained by the stratum corneum, beta particles are absorbed by the skin itself and penetrate 2-4 mm, gamma rays, x-rays and neutrons penetrate the entire human body.

Among acute radiation injury to the skin There are early radiation reaction of the skin, radiation alopecia and radiation dermatitis.

It should be emphasized that local changes are not always limited to the skin, which does not correspond to the concept of dermatitis, so the term "acute radiation injury" is justified.

early radiation reaction develops on days 1-2 after irradiation at a dose of at least 3 Gy and presents as edematous erythema accompanied by slight itching; resolves without trace after a few hours.

Radiation alopecia characterized by loss of long hair 2-4 weeks after irradiation at a dose of at least 3.75 Gy. Hair growth begins in 1.5-2 months.

Acute radiation dermatitis develops within two months from the moment of exposure, depending on the dose. The erythematous form is noted at a dose of 8-12 Gy. It differs from other dermatitis by purplish-bluish erythema, hair loss, patients complain of a burning sensation, pain and itching. In acute bullous dermatitis, the radiation dose is 12-20 Gy. Unlike most other bullous dermatitis, regional lymphadenitis, fever, hair loss, subjectively severe pain and burning are often noted. Healing of erosions or superficial ulcers after opening of the blisters occurs slowly over several months and is accompanied by the development of atrophy, pigmentation disorders and telangiectasias. Acute necrotic dermatitis develops after exposure to a dose of more than 25 Gy and is characterized by excruciating pain, severe general condition (depending on the area of exposure) -

weakness, chills, high fever, insomnia. Skin lesions are represented by erythema, edema, blisters (after opening of which long-term non-healing ulcers are formed), strings. After healing, scars are formed, against the background of which, under the influence of minor injuries, ulcers and petechiae are formed, leading to necrosis.

Chronic radiation skin lesions are divided into chronic radiation dermatitis and late radiation dermatosis (indurative edema, late radiation ulcer, radiation cancer), which develop at the site of acute dermatitis and long-term chronic dermatitis.

Chronic radiation dermatitis develops most often on the hands as a result of exposure to soft rays and beta particles of radioactive substances. Clinically, it is manifested by the development of dryness, skin atrophy, dyschromia, and the formation of painful cracks. Against this background, hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, which are the basis for the development of cancer, often develop.

Indurated edema develops as a result of damage to small lymphatic vessels and impaired lymph outflow. Clinically, it is manifested by dense swelling without pain, after the resolution of which remains atrophy and telangiectasia.

late radiation ulcer It is formed against the background of trophic changes in the skin resulting from the action of ionizing radiation, and is characterized by pronounced pain sensations.

radiation cancer develops against the background of long-term ulcers in acute and chronic dermatitis or in the area of chronic radiation dermatitis.

Treatment. Early radiation reaction and radiation alopecia do not require treatment. Treatment of erythematous and bullous forms of dermatitis is carried out according to the principles of dermatitis therapy, in addition, agents that enhance regenerative processes should be used. Patients with acute necrotic dermatitis and late radiation dermatitis require surgical treatment.

SPICY EPIDERMAL NECROLISIS (LYELL SYNDROME)

Definition. Acute epidermal necrolysis (toxic epidermal necrolysis - TEN) is an acutely developing dermatosis characterized by epidermal necrosis followed by its exfoliation throughout the entire skin.

Etiology and pathogenesis. A. Lyell identified 4 etiological factors of TEN - medicinal, staphylococcal, mixed and idiopathic. Currently, the cause of the development of TEN is mainly drugs - sulfonamides, antibiotics, barbiturates, pyrazolone derivatives. In the pathogenesis of the disease, all types of immunopathological reactions, in particular autoimmune ones, play a role.

clinical picture. The disease begins with a sharp increase in body temperature to 38-40 ° C, a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, the appearance of roseola on the skin, erythema, rashes of the type "exudative erythema multiforme, less often - urticarial elements and purpura, often the disease is similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

A few days later, a diffuse universal erythema is formed, against which the epidermis begins to peel off with the formation of painful erosions and flabby blisters. The affected skin takes on the appearance of scalded with boiling water. A sharp soreness is characteristic of both the affected and healthy-looking skin. Nikolsky's symptom (rubbing the skin with a finger leads to detachment of the epidermis), in areas of healthy-looking skin, is sharply positive.

The general condition of the patient is extremely severe. There are no eosinophils in the peripheral blood, the number of stab neutrophils is increased (up to 55%), toxic granularity of neutrophils is noted, laboratory indicators indicate a violation of the water, electrolyte and protein balance.

Diagnostics TEN is based on the following data: detachment of the epidermis, fever, sharp soreness of the affected and healthy-looking skin, the absence of blood eosinophils.

Differential diagnosis. Acute epidermal necrolysis in the early stages (before clinical manifestations of epidermal detachment) is differentiated from toxidermia.

Treatment. Treatment of patients with TEN is desirable to be carried out in the intensive care units of burn centers, while the success of therapy largely depends on the timing of its initiation. The following drugs are used: corticosteroids, starting with 150 mg of prednisolone, agents that normalize water-electrolyte and protein balance, broad-spectrum antibiotics that do not have a prolonged and nephrotoxic effect, symptomatic external therapy. Careful patient care with the use of modern technical means - water mattresses, etc. is very important.

Each disease is dangerous and insidious in its own way. Unpleasant symptoms, along with poor health, make us think that the disease has already begun. Such a phenomenon as radiation sickness is a prominent representative of such ailments. Many have heard about the existence of radiation pathologies and the seriousness of such consequences for humans. The event in Chernobyl, known throughout the world, in the shortest possible time conveyed to people information about the presence of a serious danger that comes from radioactive radiation. What exactly lies in this kind of danger, we will find out in this article. How to recognize the signs of radiation sickness?

How does illness occur?

So, radiation sickness is a reaction on the part of the human body to the effects of life-threatening radioactive radiation. Under the influence of such an unfavorable factor, processes that are unnatural for normal functioning are launched in the cells, which entail certain failures in many structures of vital activity. This disease is extremely life-threatening, as it is an irreversible process, the destructive effect of which can only be stopped a little. Signs of radiation sickness are important to identify in a timely manner.

Influence of radioactive radiation

Radioactive radiation affects the body as an aggressive factor that causes its danger directly depends on the time and total area of radiation. In addition, the way radiation enters the body also affects. An equally important role is played by the immune resistance of the human body.

Given the degree of damage, the basic zones are distinguished, most often undergoing pathological changes as a result of radiation sickness:

Digestive system.
Nervous system.
Spinal cord.
Circulatory system.

The consequences of radiation pathology in these parts of the body lead to serious dysfunctions that occur as a single complication or may be combined with several. A similar combination is observed with lesions of the third degree. Such consequences can acquire very serious forms up to death.

Classification of radiation sickness

Depending on the period of exposure to radiation on the body, radiation sickness is divided into the following types:

Sharp shape.
chronic form.

Acute radiation sickness is considered a consequence of a short exposure to radiation, which is more than 1 gram. Such a dose is a critical form that causes rapid changes in the human body, which mainly lead to serious complications, and sometimes to the death of the patient.

Signs of radiation sickness vary in degree.

Chronic form

Chronic radiation pathology may occur as a result of prolonged contact with a radiation source, the radiation from which is equal to the limit of up to 1 g. Often, patients with chronic radiation sickness are workers at nuclear power plants who have to come into contact with radiation. Depending on the degree of penetration of radiation, this disease is classified into the following types:

An internal form that occurs as a consequence of the ingestion of radioactive elements. In this case, radiation enters through the respiratory or digestive system. This factor is decisive in the treatment, since it is precisely those organs through which the irradiation has passed that are affected first of all.
The external form in which radioactive exposure occurs through the skin of a person.

Thus, radiation sickness, the signs of which have already made themselves felt, can have different forms, it is classified depending on the severity of the disease.

Radiation sickness: the degree of damage to the body

All possible, as a rule, lead to serious dysfunctions that can manifest themselves in the form of single complications or be combined with several at once. In total, there are three degrees of radiation exposure:

First degree. This stage of damage is characterized by a minimally dangerous effect of radiation on a person. Symptoms of the disease at this stage are not even always manifested. At the same time, full diagnostics shows only initial pathological changes in the functioning of vital systems. This stage is successfully corrected through timely medical treatment. What are the signs of radiation sickness after radiation therapy?
Second degree. This degree of the disease has more pronounced manifestations in comparison with the previous form. The consequences of such radioactive exposure can also be quite successfully treated. But against its background, the risk of serious health problems in the future increases several times. Unfortunately, quite often these problems become cancerous diseases.
Third degree. This form is a serious threat to human life. It is characterized by numerous changes in the normal functioning of the vital systems of the body, which can often lead to his death. Treatment of such conditions is mainly aimed at eliminating the consequences of radioactive exposure. It should be noted that the consequences of third-degree radiation exposure are almost irreversible. A person can only partially improve his health, but, unfortunately, cases of complete disability are not uncommon.

Signs of radiation sickness

Radiation sickness, the treatment of which has not yet begun, has its own symptoms, which manifest themselves depending on the degree of damage to the body by radiation. So, what is the first sign of radiation sickness? More on this later.

The main symptoms are:

Against the background of the first degree of the disease, a person develops a feeling of nausea, vomiting, dryness or bitterness in the mouth. The development of tachycardia and tremor is not excluded. All these symptoms are temporary and soon, as a rule, disappear after rehabilitation therapy, as well as the elimination of the source of radiation. We can say that this is the first sign of radiation sickness.
As part of the radiation damage of the second degree, a violation in the coordination of movements is often noted along with the presence of skin rashes over the entire body area. Also, a person may begin to experience periodic spasms of the eyes, and, in addition, all symptoms of the first degree appear. In the event that the required therapy is not carried out in a timely manner, the second degree may develop into the next more severe form. Patients may also develop baldness. The condition may be accompanied by a decrease in reflex reactions. At this stage, the patient's blood pressure drops. Signs of radiation sickness differ markedly in degrees.
Symptoms of the third degree of exposure mainly depend on which organs were affected due to radioactive interference. In such a state, the patient has all the above symptoms, and in addition, those that are characteristic of concomitant pathology. At this phase of the disease, the state of immunity deteriorates noticeably in patients, and, in addition, hemorrhagic syndrome occurs, which is accompanied by severe bleeding. At this stage, complete intoxication of the body occurs. There is an exacerbation of the risk of various infectious diseases.

The fourth degree - against the background of all this, the patient's temperature rises and blood pressure drops. There are signs of acute radiation sickness. Also, in patients, the pulse quickens and the person begins to overcome weakness. It is not excluded the occurrence of edema in the gum area along with the appearance of necrotic ulcers in the digestive system.

These are the main signs of radiation sickness of 1-4 degrees.

Diagnosis of radiation sickness

Diagnosis of radiation pathology is carried out through various medical techniques and methods, which directly depends on the stage at which this dangerous disease occurs. First of all, in such cases it is necessary to collect a detailed anamnesis. The doctor listens to all complaints of the patient. After that, the following blood tests are mandatory:

General clinical analysis.
Blood for biochemistry.
Coagulogram.

In addition, in the diagnosis, a study of the patient's bone marrow along with his internal organs is carried out. Such diagnosis is carried out by means of ultrasound examination. In addition, endoscopy and radiography are performed. It is thanks to the blood count that it is possible to determine the severity of the disease. Later, according to a blood test, one can also observe the dynamism of the phase changes of the disease.

Preventive measures

It is important to determine the signs of radiation sickness of the 1st degree in time. But ideally, it is better not to allow the development of the disease at all.

In order to prevent radiation sickness, the constant use of various protection options is required if a person is directly in the radio emission zone. Also, as part of preventive measures, drugs that are radioprotectors are used, which can significantly reduce the radiosensitivity of the human body. In addition, radioprotectors slow down the course of various radiochemical reactions. It should be noted that the use of such drugs occurs half an hour before contact with radiation. The immediate protective properties of such drugs act for five hours.

And it is important to remember that the signs of death from acute radiation sickness are indomitable vomiting, bloody diarrhea, unconsciousness, general convulsions, then death.

Radiation sickness treatment

Unfortunately, no one is immune from radiation sickness. This disease is diagnosed in medical practice not only in adults, but also in young children. The reasons for its occurrence are always very different, ranging from ordinary food taken from the Chernobyl zone, ending with radiation exposure in industrial conditions. Timely diagnosis of the disease often saves the lives of many people, and, on the contrary, delaying treatment often ends in death. As a rule, the main methods of treatment of radiation pathology are directed to the following methods:

A complete picture of damage to internal organs is determined. It is on the basis of such an examination that complex therapy is prescribed, which is aimed at restoring, for example, the organs of the digestive, hematopoietic or nervous system. Much, as already noted, depends on when radiation sickness was recorded, its signs and periods.

Alternative methods of treatment of radiation pathology

Folk remedies for the treatment of radiation pathologies are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment of the disease, along with the main drug therapy. In fact, there are a lot of ways to treat radiation sickness, but listing all modern techniques and methods, and, in addition, naming specific drugs is impractical due to the fact that only the attending physician should prescribe restorative treatment.

So, as already noted, folk remedies to eliminate the signs of acute radiation sickness are often used as part of complex treatment along with the main drug therapy. Non-traditional therapy is aimed at removing radionuclides from the body, in addition, the immune system is stimulated. For all these purposes, the traditional field of medicine has a whole arsenal of excellent tools that can have a mild effect on the entire body, allowing the use of such methods for a long time. Alternative treatment is quite effective and is considered an excellent way for prevention.

The most proven means

In fact, there are a lot of all kinds of recipes, consider some of the most proven and effective ones:

Tincture prepared on the basis of needles. With the help of this tincture, it is possible to neutralize the radioactive influence, that is, to remove radionuclides from the human body. Such an infusion is prepared on the basis of half a liter of boiled water. Five tablespoons of frayed pine needles are also taken. It is not necessary to bring the tincture to a boil. It is required to insist within one day. The prepared medicine is required to be drunk during the day in full. The procedure is repeated a day later for one month.
Sea buckthorn oil. Healing oil from sea buckthorn is perfect not only for preventive measures, but also for treatment. This product has a pronounced anti-radiation effect. The essence of the application is as follows: take one teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil three times a day for exactly one month.

The article deals with radiation sickness, signs, symptoms, consequences are presented.

With radiation sickness, the level of ionizing radiation is at a level of 1 to 10 Gray or more. A person can get sick with such an ailment due to the ingress of radioactive substances through the air, toxic food, mucous membranes, and also through injections. The type of clinical manifestations depends on the level of exposure. So, for example, when hit by ionization up to one Gray, the body experiences slight changes, which is called the state of pre-illness. Irradiation doses greater than ten Gy have a negative effect on the activity of the stomach, intestines, and blood-forming organs are affected. The condition when irradiated in a volume of more than ten Grays is considered fatal to the human body. Let's try to understand the symptoms and treatment of radiation sickness.

The reasons

Radiation sickness is provoked by radiation that penetrates the human body and provokes destructive changes in the organs and systems of the human body.

Basic prerequisites:

Radiation can enter through:

dermis;
mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose;
lungs during normal inhalation of air;
blood when injecting drugs;
lungs during inhalation procedures, etc.

Classification

In modern medical practice, there are several stages of the disease:

acute;
subacute;
chronic stage.

There are several types of radiation that provoke radiation sickness:

A-radiation - an increased ionization density, reduced penetrating power are relevant for it;
B-radiation - here there is a weak ionization and penetrating ability;
Y-study - characterized by deep tissue damage in the area of its action;
neutron radiation - characterized by uneven damage to tissue linings and organs.

Phases:

phase number 1 - the skin turns red, swelling appears, the temperature rises;
phase No. 2 - occurs 4-5 days after irradiation, there is a decrease in blood pressure, an unstable pulse, a violation of the structure of the skin, hair loss, reflex sensitivity decreases, problems with motor skills, movement are observed;
phase No. 3 - characterized by vivid manifestations of symptoms of radiation sickness, the hematopoietic and circulatory systems are affected, bleeding is observed, the temperature rises, the mucous membrane of the stomach and other internal organs is affected;
phase No. 4 - the patient's condition gradually improves, but for a long time the so-called asthenovegetative syndrome can be observed, the level of hemoglobin in the blood drops sharply.

Depending on the level of damage to the body by radiation, 4 degrees of radiation sickness are distinguished:

mild degree, in which the level of exposure is in the range from one to two Grays;
stage medium, when the level of exposure is in the range from two to four Grays;
severe degree - the level of radiation is fixed in the range from four to six Gy;
fatal when the exposure level is more than six Gy.

Symptoms of radiation sickness

Symptoms depend on the main stages, its course and the characteristics of the human body.

Phase I is characterized by such signs of radiation sickness:

slight malaise;
frequent vomiting;
constant feeling of nausea;
drowsiness;
recurrent headaches;
low blood pressure;
increased body temperature;
sudden loss of consciousness;
reddening of the skin, up to the manifestation of a cyanotic hue;
increased heart rate;
finger trembling;
decreased muscle tone;
general malaise.

In phase II (imaginary recovery), the following symptoms of radiation sickness are observed:

gradual disappearance of signs of phase I;
damage to the skin;
hair loss;
violation of gait, hand motility;
muscle aches;
"The effect of shifty eyes";
subsidence of reflexes.

In the III phase are diagnosed:

general weakness of the body;
hemorrhagic syndrome (abundant bleeding);
lack of appetite;
the skin acquires a light color;
ulcers appear;
swelling and increased bleeding of the gums;
frequent urination;
rapid pulse;
damage to the circulatory and hematopoietic systems;
problems with digestion of food, etc.

Symptoms of radiation sickness are non-specific and require careful study by the doctor. The help of a therapist, a hematologist, possibly an oncologist is required.

Diagnostics

To refute or confirm the diagnosis It is necessary to undergo diagnostics, which includes the following types of studies:

Radiation sickness treatment

emergency assistance in case of infection (remove clothing, wash the body, cleanse the stomach, etc.);
taking sedative complexes;
antishock therapy;
body detoxification;
taking complexes that block problems of the stomach and intestines;
isolation of the patient;
taking antibacterial agents;
physical exercise;
taking antibiotics (especially in the first two days);
bone marrow transplant surgery.

The path of treatment of the disease should be chosen by the therapist, hematologist. You may need an additional consultation with an oncologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist, proctologist, etc.

avoid the radio emission zone;
use various types of protection (respirators, bandages, suits);
take drugs of the radioprotective group (an hour before the expected stay);
take vitamins P, B6, C;
use anabolic-type hormonal drugs;
drink plenty of water.

Currently, there is no ideal means of protection against radiation exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to use devices to measure the level of radiation and, if a threat arises, use protective equipment.

Forecast

Contact with people who have been exposed to radiation cannot lead to exposure to radiation. Patients diagnosed with radiation sickness are allowed to contact without protective equipment. This disease is most dangerous for children and adolescents. Ionization affects cells during their growth. It also poses a serious threat to pregnant women, since cells are most vulnerable at the stage of intrauterine development, and exposure can adversely affect the development of the fetus. For those who have been exposed to radiation, the following consequences are dangerous: damage to the circulatory and hematopoietic systems, endocrine, central nervous, digestive, reproductive systems, individual organs. There is also a high risk of developing oncological processes in the body. Assistance in the treatment of this disease should be provided by a professional therapist. Under his control, therapy should also be carried out. Expert advice may be needed.

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Ionizing radiation, even in moderate portions, but with a systematic effect on the human body, is harmful, hazardous to health. The consequences of exposure to radiation are fatal, not always compatible with life. If effective treatment is started in a timely manner, the patient can still be saved and cured.

What is radiation sickness

If the received doses of radiation exceed the permissible limits, the risk of a disease, which in official medicine is called "Radiation Disease", increases markedly. Radioactive exposure provokes systemic damage to the nervous, hematopoietic, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine systems, hematopoietic organs and the dermis.

Against the background of prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation on the skin, part of the tissues dies off, since a capacious concentration of harmful substances accumulates in their structure. In addition, radiation penetrates the body and has a detrimental effect on internal organs. To avoid a fatal clinical outcome, timely therapy under the guidance of a specialist is indicated.

Reasons for the appearance

Radioactive substances and various types of radiation dominate in the air, water, soil, and food. Such disease-provoking factors enter the body through the skin, mucous membranes, with food and through drug therapy. The development of a characteristic ailment depends on the dose of radiation received by a particular patient. Doctors identify the following causes of radiation sickness:

impact on the body of radiation waves;
penetration into the organic resource of reactive compounds;
systematic impact on the body of x-ray exposure.

Degrees

The disease occurs in acute and chronic form, which determines the features of the clinical picture. In the first case, the symptoms of radiation exposure in humans are intense, which facilitates differential diagnosis. In the second case, the clinic is moderate, and it is sometimes problematic to make a final diagnosis. Below are the main stages of radiation sickness, which further determine the course of effective treatment:

First (light) degree. 100-200 rad. The patient is worried about nausea, single vomiting.
Second (middle) degree. 200-400 rad. The patient is characterized by prolonged vomiting.
Third (severe) degree. 400-600 rad. Vomiting is characterized by a duration of up to 12 hours.
Fourth (extremely severe) degree. More than 600 rad. Prolonged vomiting that occurs after 30 minutes.

Forms

If characteristic symptoms of the harmful effects of radiation occur, the attending physician determines not only the stage, but also the form of radiation sickness. The pathological process is represented by such varieties of the specified diagnosis:

Radiation injury. Simultaneous exposure to a dose of radiation less than 1 gram may cause slight nausea.
Bone form. It is considered typical, diagnosed when exposed to radiation 1-6 gr. at the same time.
Gastrointestinal form. Irradiation with a dose of 10-20 g takes place, which is accompanied by intestinal disorders, proceeds with severe enteritis and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
vascular form. It is considered toxemic, it provides for the impact on the body of irradiation with a dose of 20-80 gr. It proceeds with fever, with infectious and septic complications.
cerebral form. Radiation with a dose of 80 gr. Death occurs on 1-3 days from the moment of irradiation from cerebral edema. There are four phases: the primary general reactivity phase, the latent phase, the extended symptoms phase, and the recovery phase.

Radiation sickness - symptoms

Symptoms of the disease depend on the dose of radiation to which the human body was exposed. The general symptoms of radiation sickness are presented below, they negatively affect the general state of health, and are similar to the manifestations of food intoxication. The patient complains about:

nausea;
frequent bouts of vomiting;
dizziness;
migraine attacks;
dryness, bitterness in the mouth;
increase in body temperature;
cyanosis of the skin;
drop in blood pressure;
cramps of the limbs;
signs of dyspepsia (stool disorder);
general weakness.

First signs

The disease progresses in the acute phase, which is characterized by a sharp deterioration in general well-being, a decline in working capacity. The first signs of radiation sickness include massive death of bone marrow cells, which must divide for the normal functionality of the body. As a result, hemodynamic disturbances occur, there is a tendency to infectious complications, skin lesions, and problems from the gastrointestinal tract. The initial signs of exposure begin to develop with nausea, dizziness and headache, supplemented by bitterness in the mouth.

Radiation sickness treatment

Intensive care begins with bed rest and aseptic living conditions. Conservative treatment of radiation sickness includes gastric lavage to alleviate the severity of the pathological process, PST of wounds, forced diuresis, prevention of collapse, administration of antiemetics, and maintenance of the body's water balance. A short course of antibiotics is needed to prevent infectious complications. The affected person is supposed to receive parenteral nutrition, treatment of mucous membranes with antiseptics.

First aid

The actions of the doctor are coordinated, fast. The disease leads to irreversible health consequences, so it is important to suppress the signs of the acute phase in a timely manner. First help with radiation sickness provides for resuscitation measures, which include:

Evacuation of the injured party, termination of the effect of radioactive exposure on the body.
Washing the affected mucous membranes with a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate, cleansing the stomach through a tube.
Treatment of an open wound with distilled water, while observing the rules of asepsis.
Intramuscular injection of 6-10 ml of a 5% solution of Unitiol for the rapid removal of radioactive substances from the body.
Intravenous administration of antihistamines, ascorbic acid, calcium chloride, hypertonic glucose solution.

Consequences

If the disease is chronic, treatment is symptomatic. The lack of intensive care leads to fatal consequences of radiation sickness, which can even end in death for the patient. Radiation influence, in any case, is detrimental. It's important to know what to watch out for, so a list of potential complications is detailed below:

oncology;
changes in the reproductive system;
genetic effects (during irradiation of a pregnant woman);
immune diseases;
radiation cataract;
rapid sclerotic processes;
reduction in life expectancy;
Albright syndrome;
radiocarcinogenesis;
teratogenic effects;
the severity of chronic diseases of the body;
somatic and stochastic effects;
violations of the hematopoietic system.

Mutations

The consequences of radiation are irreversible, and can manifest themselves through a generation and more than one. Mutations from radiation sickness are not fully understood by physicians, but the fact of their existence has been established. A relatively new science, genetics, deals with this area of disease. Genetic changes have the following classification, determine the nature of the pathological process. It:

chromosomal aberrations and changes in the genes themselves;
dominant and recessive.

Prevention

To prevent ARS and CRS, it is important to take preventive measures in a timely manner, especially for patients at risk. Medications are prescribed by a doctor, it is important not to violate their dosage. Prevention of radiation sickness involves the reception of representatives of the following pharmacological groups:

vitamins of group B;
hormonal anabolics;
immunostimulants.

Video

RADIATION ULCER (synonymous with x-ray ulcer)- a defect in the skin or mucous membrane and underlying tissues resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation.

The etiology and pathogenesis of radiation ulcers are associated with the action of ionizing radiation (see) on biological objects. Radiation ulcers can occur under conditions of therapeutic irradiation with radiation exposure that exceeds the tolerance of the skin and mucous membranes (see Radiation injury; Burns, radiation burns). The total doses leading to the appearance of a radiation ulcer are different, which is associated with the fractionation of the dose over time and the amount of exposure (see Radiotherapy). Modern methods of personnel protection practically exclude the risk of occupational radiation ulcers.

The appearance of a radiation ulcer is usually preceded by itching, hyperemia, and a burning sensation in the area of the previously irradiated skin area. As a rule, radiation ulcers develop against the background of sluggish current radioepidermitis (see) and radioepitheliitis (see). Their torpid course, gradual but steady progression is characteristic. Symptoms depend on the localization of the ulcer, its size, proximity to it of nerve, vascular and other anatomical formations. A radiation ulcer on the extremities is accompanied by swelling and pain. Radiation ulcers of the oral mucosa are dangerous by the addition of infection, the development of phlegmon and sepsis. Ulcerative radiation cystitis (see) is manifested by frequent painful urination. A radiation ulcer of the rectal mucosa is accompanied by pain, the appearance of blood and mucus in the stool, and a violation of bowel movement. They may be complicated by perforation into the abdominal cavity or fistula formation.

In differential diagnosis, a morphological study of the tissue from the edges of the ulcer is important to exclude the recurrence of the tumor, for which radiation therapy was performed.

Treatment begins, as a rule, with conservative measures, consisting of a complex of general and local effects. The former include the appointment of vitamins and the regulation of homeostasis, in particular its immune and endocrine components. Locally apply 10-50% ointment with dimexide, treat under conditions of gnotobiological isolation (see Controlled abacterial environment). In some cases, with a radiation ulcer of the skin, its complete excision is shown within healthy tissues with possible plasty with a free flap (see Skin plasty).

The prognosis for timely treatment is usually favorable.

Prevention of the occurrence of a radiation ulcer during therapeutic exposure consists in rational planning of the volume and time of exposure, protection of the skin and mucous membranes, taking into account the tolerance of the irradiated integuments, as well as creating conditions for a differentiated effect on the tumor and healthy tissues during the exposure period (see). Drug prophylaxis includes lubrication of the skin and mucous membranes during the period of irradiation and after it until the complete elimination of radiation reactions. Vitamin-containing ointments and oils (sea buckthorn, peach or rosehip), disinfectant solutions, etc. are used.

Bibliography: Bardychev M. S. and Tsy b A. F. Local radiation damage, M., 1985; Kozlova A. V., Possible consequences of damage to organs and tissues during radiation therapy of malignant tumors, Med. radiol., vol. 22, no. 12, p. 71, 1977; Pavlov A. S. and Kostromina K. N. Cancer of the cervix, p. 136, M., 1983; Strelin G. S. Regenerative processes in the development and elimination of radiation damage, M., 1978; Alexandrov S. N. Late radiation pathology of mammals, B., 1982.