Radiation therapy and radiation exposure can lead to a range of side effects, varying depending on the type, dose, and area of the body exposed.
Common side effects of radiation therapy include:
- Skin problems: Redness, irritation, swelling, blisters, itching, dry or peeling skin, and skin that appears sunburned or tanned. These effects usually subside after treatment but can sometimes cause lingering sensitivity or changes in skin color[1].
- Fatigue and weakness[4].
- Hair loss in the treatment area[5].
Radiation effects specific to certain body parts:
- Head and neck: Sore or dry mouth, changes in taste, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, dental issues, earaches, vision problems, and stiff jaw[5].
- Chest: Radiation pneumonitis may develop, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, low-grade fever, and in rare cases lead to lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)[1].
- Abdomen and pelvis: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, intestinal inflammation, bladder irritation (pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, blood in urine), and fertility or sexual problems[1][5].
Acute radiation syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness, occurs after high-dose radiation exposure. Early symptoms may appear within minutes to hours and may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite[2][3][6]
- Diarrhea[3][4]
- Headache, fever, dizziness, confusion, and weakness[3][4]
- Hair loss[3][4]
- Skin burns, open sores, or bruising[4]
- Bleeding or bruising easily, including nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums, rectum, or gastrointestinal tract[4]
- Ulcers or sores in the mouth and digestive tract[4]
High doses can severely affect cells that divide rapidly, especially in the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract. This can result in infections, anemia, dehydration, and potentially life-threatening complications[2][3][6].
References
- [1] Radiation Therapy Side Effects – American Cancer Society
- [2] Acute radiation syndrome – Wikipedia
- [3] Radiation sickness – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
- [4] Radiation sickness Information | Mount Sinai – New York
- [5] Side effects of radiation therapy | Canadian Cancer Society
- [6] Radiation Sickness (Acute Radiation Syndrome)