What to Do If You've Been Exposed to Excessive Radiation?

What to do if you have been exposed to excessive radiation?

Dear Dr.
Sun,
I apologize if I have submitted the consultation form multiple times, as I am not very familiar with using electronic devices.
In December, I underwent a nuclear medicine cardiac examination due to chest pain, and they informed me that I was exposed to approximately 10 millisieverts of radiation.
Later, I realized that I had also undergone a brain CT scan in April, as well as CT scans of the thoracic and lumbar spine in August.
Additionally, this year, I had six X-rays of my lumbar region, two chest X-rays, and over ten dental X-rays.
Therefore, I have received a significant amount of radiation exposure this year.
What should I do? Thank you.

Mr. Chen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/30

Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology

The total radiation dose received is approximately 20 millisieverts.
While this is not yet at a dangerous level, it is indeed somewhat high.
The dose from a standard X-ray is relatively low (especially dental X-rays, which are only 0.01 millisieverts), but nuclear medicine procedures and computed tomography (CT) scans involve higher doses.
Since the risk of radiation injury increases with higher doses, there is no definitive threshold, and the biological effects can accumulate.
Therefore, it is essential to minimize unnecessary exposure.
Currently, there is no need for particular concern, but in the future, it is important to consider whether X-rays are necessary, especially for CT scans.

Reply Date: 2016/12/30

More Info

If you have been exposed to excessive radiation, it is understandable to feel concerned about your health. Radiation exposure can come from various medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear medicine tests. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Understanding Radiation Exposure
Radiation is measured in units called sieverts (Sv), with millisieverts (mSv) being a common subunit used in medical contexts. For perspective, a single chest X-ray typically exposes a person to about 0.1 mSv, while a CT scan of the abdomen can expose you to about 10 mSv. The amount of radiation you mentioned, approximately 10 mSv from a nuclear medicine scan, is significant but not necessarily alarming when considered in the context of cumulative exposure.

Assessing Your Exposure
1. Keep a Record: Document all the imaging tests you have undergone, including the type of test, the date, and the estimated radiation dose. This will help you and your healthcare provider assess your cumulative exposure.

2. Consult Your Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a specialist in radiation safety. Discuss your concerns and provide them with the record of your imaging tests. They can help interpret the significance of your cumulative exposure and determine if any further action is necessary.

3. Understand the Risks: While high doses of radiation can increase the risk of cancer over time, the risk from medical imaging is generally considered low, especially when the imaging is necessary for diagnosis or treatment. The benefits of obtaining critical health information often outweigh the risks associated with radiation exposure.

Mitigating Future Risks
1. Limit Unnecessary Imaging: Discuss with your healthcare provider the necessity of future imaging tests. Ensure that any imaging performed is essential for your diagnosis or treatment. Ask if alternative methods, such as ultrasound or MRI, can be used, as they do not involve ionizing radiation.

2. Inquire About Protocols: When undergoing imaging tests, ask about the protocols used to minimize radiation exposure. Many facilities have protocols in place to use the lowest effective dose.

3. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the types of imaging tests and their associated radiation doses. Understanding the risks and benefits can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Monitoring Your Health
1. Regular Check-ups: Maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. They can monitor your health and any potential long-term effects of radiation exposure.

2. Be Aware of Symptoms: While the risk of immediate adverse effects from the levels of radiation you described is low, be aware of any unusual symptoms that may arise in the future. Report these to your healthcare provider promptly.

3. Lifestyle Choices: Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These factors can help mitigate the risk of developing health issues, including those potentially related to radiation exposure.

Conclusion
In summary, while your cumulative radiation exposure is a valid concern, it is essential to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. Consult with your healthcare provider to assess your exposure and discuss any necessary follow-up actions. By staying informed and proactive about your health, you can effectively manage your concerns regarding radiation exposure. Remember, the key is to ensure that any medical imaging you undergo is justified and to maintain open communication with your healthcare team.

Similar Q&A

How to Detect Excess Radiation Exposure in the Human Body?

How can a doctor determine if their body has been exposed to excessive radiation? What methods can be used for detection? If there is already an issue with radiation overexposure, are there any solutions or treatments available?

Dr. Sun Shengyi reply Radiology
Unless radioactive substances are ingested or injected into the body, the radiation dose received from external exposure (such as X-rays) cannot be measured afterward. Aside from unavoidable natural background radiation, unnecessary exposure should be minimized, especially regard...

Concerns About Radiation Exposure from Multiple CT Scans After a Fall

Hello, doctor. I had an accidental fall from a height on August 13, which was life-threatening at the time. I underwent a full-body CT scan and subsequently had various surgeries that also utilized CT imaging. After being discharged, I felt very uncomfortable and was readmitted t...

Dr. Ye Weicheng reply Radiology
Hello Ms. Lin: Radiation has existed since the formation of the Earth, and both biological evolution and humans have developed a certain level of tolerance to it. Currently, we categorize radiation damage into two types: deterministic effects and stochastic effects. Deterministic...

Managing Hyperthyroidism in Patients Exposed to Radiation: A Guide

Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is currently in Tokyo, Japan. She is a patient with hyperthyroidism and has been on medication for many years. Due to radiation exposure, she is unable to take iodine tablets or consume iodine-rich foods. What should she do? Are there any other medicatio...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Patients with hyperthyroidism should not take iodine tablets, as it may exacerbate their condition. During a nuclear disaster, iodine tablets are used solely to reduce the amount of radiation absorbed by the thyroid gland; they do not provide protection against radiation to other...

How to Care for Your Body After Radiation Imaging Tests

Hello Dr. Wu: After receiving a pathology report indicating melanoma, a series of radiological examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, bone scans, PET-CT, and scintigraphy are required. Will these procedures cause harm to the body, and how should one take care of themselves? Wh...

Dr. Wu Bin'an reply Radiology
Dear netizen: Your question: "After being informed by the pathology report that it is melanoma, a series of radiological examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, bone scans, PET-CT, and scintigraphy are required. Will this cause harm to the body?" The answer is: In fac...