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The mystery of acute radiation syndrome: Why even small amounts of radiation can be fatal?
With the advancement of nuclear energy technology, acute radiation syndrome (ARS) has become a health issue that cannot be ignored. This symptom is caused by various health effects caused by exposure to large amounts of ionizing radiation in a short period of time. Although this disease is not common, its potential fatality has been shown in several major nuclear accidents in history, such as the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
People exposed to high doses of radiation may experience early symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite within hours, and may later develop more severe symptoms that ultimately lead to recovery or death.
The dose effects of acute radiation syndrome vary from person to person, based on the principle that overall body exposure to radiation will determine the timing and severity of symptoms. Diseases can be divided into three main types: hematopoietic syndrome, gastrointestinal syndrome and neurovascular syndrome. The dose for hematopoietic syndrome is about 0.7 to 10 Gy, while for neurovascular syndrome, it requires more than 50 Gy. Gy dose.
High doses of radiation can cause DNA damage that can lead to irreparable health effects, such as long-term health problems such as cancer.
The diagnosis of acute radiation syndrome generally relies on the history and clinical manifestations of radiation exposure, and blood tests are an important tool to assess the extent of exposure and its effects. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is usually supportive, which may include blood transfusions, antibiotics, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Types of acute radiation syndrome
Acute radiation syndrome can be classified according to the damage to different body systems. Here are the three main syndromes:
1. Hematopoietic syndrome
This disease is caused by the bone marrow being affected, resulting in a decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which may lead to complications such as infection or bleeding. These changes may not necessarily be symptomatic in patients receiving doses less than 1 Gy.
2. Gastrointestinal syndrome
Most of this type is accompanied by a dose between 6 and 30 Gy, and the main symptoms are nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. At doses above 4 Gy, the presence of vomiting suggests the possibility of total body exposure, which without treatment often results in death.
3. Neurovascular syndrome
This disease mostly occurs when the exposure is greater than 30 Gy, and patients will experience neurological symptoms such as dizziness and headache. Although intensive care is possible, the disease is almost always fatal.
Causes of acute radiation syndrome
The main cause of acute radiation syndrome is short-term exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, and its sources can be divided into accidental exposure and intentional use. Accidents often occur in nuclear medicine, atomic power plants, or other settings where radiation is used, such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.
During space flights, astronauts may also face the risk of acute radiation syndrome, which undoubtedly requires professional protection and countermeasures.
Prevention of acute radiation syndrome
For the prevention of acute radiation syndrome, the most basic principle is to "minimize radiation exposure as much as possible." This includes three key factors: time, distance and shielding. Appropriate protective measures can effectively reduce the risk of exposure, such as quickly moving away from the site and finding a shielded area in the event of a nuclear accident.
Conclusion
Acute radiation syndrome is undoubtedly one of the major public health challenges facing society today. As technology advances, so does our understanding of this disease. Scientists continue to work hard to find more effective treatments and preventive measures. As nuclear medicine technology grows, can we effectively use these technologies while ensuring safety?
