American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

After what duration do patients typically present with symptoms of radiation pneumonitis after exposure?

1. 1 to 3 weeks

2. 4 to 6 weeks

3. 6 to 12 weeks

4. 12 to 16 weeks

The correct answer is: 6 to 12 weeks

Patients typically present with symptoms of radiation pneumonitis approximately 6 to 12 weeks after exposure to radiation therapy. Radiation pneumonitis is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that occurs as a result of radiation damage, primarily affecting patients who have undergone radiation therapy for conditions such as lung cancer or breast cancer. The timing of symptom onset is crucial for both diagnosis and management. Symptoms may include cough, dyspnea, fever, and chest discomfort. Understanding the typical timeframe helps clinicians recognize and differentiate radiation pneumonitis from other post-radiation complications, as well as from other respiratory conditions that may present similarly. While some patients may experience acute reactions immediately or shortly after the treatment, the late onset (around 6 to 12 weeks) is characteristic of radiation pneumonitis and is a reflection of the delayed inflammatory response. Recognizing this timeframe aids healthcare providers in monitoring for potential complications and in initiating appropriate interventions such as corticosteroids to manage symptoms.