The Side Effects of Radiation
Radiation is a form of energy that can be both beneficial and harmful to humans. It damages organic tissue, although this is helpful when targeting cancer cells. The effects of radiation are not always obvious or severe in humans. People absorb small amounts of radiation while undergoing dental x-rays, for instance, with no side effects. However, radiation therapy and environmental exposure to high amounts of radiation can lead to harmful side effects.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy, its severity depending on the individual. Not every patient will experience fatigue, but those who do may feel tired for up to 12 months after the final radiation treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute. Sleeping a full eight hours each night, as well as exercising regularly, can manage this condition.
Immune Problems
Radiation therapy is known to lower a person's white blood cell count. White blood cells help to fight infection and prevent bleeding, so a change in the cell count can affect a person's immune system. Physicians will closely monitor a patient's white blood cell count during radiation treatment. If the count falls too low, radiation may be delayed until the number rebounds.
Skin Changes
Patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience dry or flaking skin. In severe cases, the skin may blister and become susceptible to infection. Radiation therapy leaves the skin very sensitive to the sun. Patients should not sun bathe for at least 12 months after the therapy has ended.
Hair Loss
Radiation therapy can damage the cells in the hair roots. The National Cancer Institute notes that hair loss can occur within two to three weeks after the first treatment. However, hair will only be lost in the areas that are being treated by the radiation. If the chest is being treated, for example, a patient will not lose hair from the head.
Radiation is less predictable than chemotherapy, which only causes temporary hair loss. When radiation is administered in low doses, hair loss is often temporary. However, a physician cannot guarantee the regrowth of hair after radiation treatment, as each patient's reaction is unique.
Sex and Fertility Problems
Radiation can affect a person's sex drive, as well as the ability to reproduce. During radiation therapy, women may experience pain during sex and reduced desire for it. Early symptoms of menopause can also occur, although they may be temporary, depending on the amount of radiation that is used. Direct radiation of the ovaries increases the risk of permanent infertility. Men can also experience sexual problems during radiation therapy, such as impotence and damage to the sperm. In some cases, a man will be rendered infertile by the radiation.
Digestive Problems
When the stomach, pelvis or abdomen is treated with radiation, diarrhea can occur. Eating small meals throughout the day, as well as drinking plenty of water, may help to combat the diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting may occur in patients who are receiving radiation to the brain, stomach, small intestine or colon. Again, eating small meals can lessen this condition. Extreme cases of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may warrant special treatment by a physician in order to keep the patient healthy.
Late Effects
Patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience side effects that do not arise until years after the treatment has ended. Although late effects of radiation are rare, they can be serious. These side effects include cataracts, heart problems, dental problems, infertility, lung disease, memory loss and cancer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are no known ways to prevent the late effects of radiation. Patients are advised to report any bothersome symptoms to a physician as soon as possible, even if the radiation treatment ended years before.
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