Radiation or Chemotherapy Induced Pneumonitis

J70.0

• Description
• General Measures
• Medicine Treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Radiation pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung caused by radiation therapy to the chest. It mostly develops 1–6 months after treatment.

Chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung caused by various chemotherapy agents. It mostly develops on treatment.

Symptoms include: fever, dry cough, chest congestion, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

The differential diagnosis includes infectious pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism, and tumor recurrence.

GENERAL MEASURES

Symptoms generally resolve within 7–10 days following cessation of treatment.

Maintain hydration.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

For symptomatic subacute pneumonitis:

• Corticosteroids (intermediate-acting) e.g.:
• Prednisone 1 mg/kg daily for 2–4 weeks at a maximum daily dose of 40-60 mg, and then taper slowly over 3–12 weeks. Refer to Appendix II for an example of a dose reduction regimen.

LoEIII [6]

REFERRAL

All patients with symptomatic pneumonitis.