What is the common term for the immediate effects of radiation exposure?

The common term for the immediate effects of radiation exposure is acute radiation syndrome (ARS). This condition arises after a significant dose of radiation is absorbed in a short period, typically within minutes to hours. The symptoms of ARS can occur rapidly and include a range of physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and damage to the hematopoietic system.

Acute radiation syndrome is characterized by a specific set of clinical signs and symptoms that manifest shortly after exposure, differentiating it from other terms related to radiation effects. For instance, chronic radiation syndrome refers to long-term effects that develop over months or years after exposure to lower doses of radiation, while delayed radiation effects can involve long latency periods before symptoms appear. Radiation-induced dermatitis is a localized skin condition that is one of the potential symptoms resulting from radiation exposure but does not encapsulate the broader systemic effects of ARS.