Chronic radiation poisoning, also known as chronic radiation syndrome or chronic radiation sickness, occurs when a person is exposed to low to moderate levels of ionizing radiation repeatedly or continuously over a long period. Unlike acute radiation sickness, which happens after a high dose in a short time, chronic radiation poisoning develops gradually and its symptoms can be subtle at first but worsen over time.
The symptoms of chronic radiation poisoning affect multiple body systems because radiation damages cells and tissues, especially those that divide rapidly or have high metabolic activity. These symptoms can vary depending on the dose, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility, but generally include the following:
**1. General and Constitutional Symptoms**
– Persistent fatigue and weakness that do not improve with rest.
– Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss.
– Low-grade fever and night sweats.
– Malaise, a general feeling of being unwell or discomfort.
– Headaches and dizziness.
**2. Skin and Hair Changes**
– Gradual thinning and loss of hair (alopecia), often patchy.
– Skin changes such as dryness, redness (erythema), and increased sensitivity.
– Development of skin ulcers or chronic wounds that heal poorly.
– Pigmentation changes, including darkening or lightening of the skin.
– Telangiectasia, which are small dilated blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin.
– In severe cases, skin fibrosis (thickening and hardening) and necrosis (tissue death).
**3. Blood and Immune System Effects**
– Anemia due to reduced production of red blood cells, causing pallor, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
– Leukopenia, a decrease in white blood cells, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
– Thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count, resulting in easy bruising and bleeding.
– Frequent infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections, due to immune suppression.
**4. Gastrointestinal Symptoms**
– Chronic nausea and occasional vomiting.
– Diarrhea or irregular bowel movements.
– Abdominal pain or discomfort.
– Loss of appetite contributing to malnutrition.
**5. Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms**
– Memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
– Mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety.
– Peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet.
– In advanced cases, symptoms related to damage in the central nervous system, including coordination problems and seizures.
**6. Cardiovascular and Vascular Effects**
– Damage to blood vessels leading to accelerated atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
– Increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
– Radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or fainting.
– Labile blood pressure due to baroreceptor dysfunction in some cases.
**7. Respiratory Symptoms**
– Chronic cough and shortness of breath.
– Increased risk of lung infections and fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue).
**8. Reproductive and Endocrine Effects**
– Reduced fertility or sterility due to damage to reproductive organs.
– Hormonal imbalances caused by damage to endocrine glands such as the thyroid.
– In women, menstrual irregularities or early menopause.
**9. Late and Long-Term Effects**
– Development of cataracts in the eyes.
– Increased risk of cancers, especially leukemia, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, and lung cancer.
– Chronic radiation dermatitis with persistent skin changes and ulcerations.
– Fibrosis and scarring in various organs leading to functional impairment.
The progression of chronic radiation poisoning is often slow, with symptoms appearing months or year