Which of the following is NOT considered an acute side effect of radiation therapy?

Infertility is not typically classified as an acute side effect of radiation therapy, which classifies side effects based on their onset and duration. Acute side effects usually occur shortly after treatment begins and tend to resolve within a few weeks after therapy ends. Temporary hair loss, skin irritation, and fatigue are common acute effects experienced by patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Temporary hair loss can occur in areas being treated and generally regrows after completion of therapy. Skin irritation manifests as redness, peeling, or dryness in the treated area, often resolved within a few weeks post-treatment. Fatigue is also a frequently reported acute side effect, often intensifying as treatment continues and generally subsiding after the therapy ends.

In contrast, infertility results from radiation exposure to reproductive organs and typically manifests later, categorizing it as a chronic side effect rather than acute. Understanding the distinction between acute and chronic side effects is crucial for patients undergoing radiation therapy to manage expectations regarding their treatment experience.