Unfortunately, radiation therapy also produces side effects, although usually limited to the area where applicable. The appearance and intensity of these side effects depends on the technique used, the total radiation dose administered, the volume of the irradiated area and susceptibility and associated diseases of each patient.

Side effects of radiation are the result of an acute inflammatory process and / or chronic localized to the skin and organs exposed to radiation. One can distinguish between general side effects of radiotherapy treatment and specific treatment of lung cancer:

- General effects:
The most important overall effect is tiredness or fatigue. Often during radiotherapy the patient is more tired than usual. Usually the result of the combined effects of treatment itself, other associated treatments and commuting to the hospital. The fatigue is temporary and disappears some time after completion of radiotherapy.

Although in most cases you can maintain normal activity levels, rest after the daily session of radiotherapy and no intense efforts or activities which may increase tiredness.

- Specific effects of the treatment area:
* Skin reactions (radiodermatitis): The radiation causes skin irritation only in the treatment area. The skin of the treated area can be altered very similar to a sunburn, although it is a rare effect with current techniques. At two or three weeks after starting therapy may appreciate the same redness (erythema). As treatment progresses, the skin area is becoming more pigmented and dark coloration, which disappears in one or two months after completion of radiotherapy.

* Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing: Radiation causes changes in the lining of the mouth and throat (thrush), and also in the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), being contiguous to the area of treatment. This inflammation of the mucous show his face at 2-3 weeks of starting treatment, as difficulty in swallowing certain foods, fundamentally sound. This condition often improves quickly after completion of radiotherapy.

* Difficulty breathing can increase or appear de novo dry cough and mild breathing difficulty.

* Other: There may be nausea. May also occur hair loss, usually final and that only affects the chest area.

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