What are some common side effects from radiation?

Side effects from radiation poisoning include dry, itching and peeling skin and fatigue, states Cancer.Net. Side effects specific to areas of the body include stiffness in the jaw and trouble swallowing in the head, shortness of breath in the chest, and nausea in the stomach.

In addition to side effects during treatment, long-term side effects usually manifest, which are permanent, states WebMD. The scar tissue from radiation can affect the way the heart works, while radiation therapy to the pelvis region can affect fertility and how the bladder works. Because radiation causes cancer itself, it is sometimes possible for patients to develop a second case of it later in life after initial treatments.