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Warning-sign checks

Radiation effects: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help after a known or suspected major radiation incident if you have repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, extensive burns or blistering, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury.

    Follow emergency-service and public health directions if radioactive contamination may be present.

    If possible, avoid spreading loose material, but do not delay lifesaving care to wash or change clothes.

    Use the specific emergency instructions provided by your treatment team.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    During or after cancer treatment, seek urgent advice for fever, shaking chills, new breathing problems, inability to keep fluids down, severe diarrhea, unusual bleeding, or rapidly worsening pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up for a persistent skin change, a wound that is not healing, new swelling, ongoing bowel or bladder symptoms, vision changes, or other problems in an area that received radiation.

    New symptoms years later do not automatically mean radiation damage, but they should be assessed in the context of your exposure history.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Radiation effects. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.