What Are The Repercussions Of Accidental Ingestion Of Radium?

Posted on Fri, 7 Jul 2017

Question: Hi Doc, My son of 2 years and a month has probably swallowed some radium (liquid). This is there in the fitband.
What should we do, can you reply urgent

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take him to emergency soon

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query in HealthcareMagic,

Radium is a radioactive substance, and if ingested could cause radiation sickness in accordance with the amount. I would strongly suggest you to take your son to the emergency where they can try to take out as much of radium possible.

Kindly take him to ER as soon as possible without any further delay.

I hope this helps,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (21 minutes later)

We are not sure if he swallowed. He had this band with himself. Can we look for any symptoms

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below,

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Thanks for writing back,

I have viewed the attached pic, and if there seems to be any way possible, try to find if he has ingested or not.

Small amounts of radium will possibly do no harm, as its almost equivalent to getting exposed to Xray radiation and is sure to get excreted via human waste. The most common symptoms you should look out for is nausea and vomiting. Meanwhile, feed him on more fluids, so that it gets diluted if at all any.

You may also consider consulting with a doctor in your area and may opt for the option of stomach wash if your son starts showing any symptoms.

I hope this helps,

Please feel free to discuss further or else kindly close the query and share your positive feedback,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy