Radiation sickness (also called acute radiation syndrome) happens when a person is exposed to large amounts of radiation all at once.
Exposure to small amounts of radiation—like from an X-ray or CT scan—doesn't cause any symptoms. But exposure to large amounts of radiation all at once—like from a nuclear accident—may cause radiation sickness and death.
Symptoms of radiation sickness may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy.
- Hair loss.
- Skin redness, itching, swelling, or burns.
- Pain.
- Seizures.
People who have been exposed to large amounts of radiation and have these symptoms need to see a doctor right away.