Symptoms:

Symptoms may be different depending on what part of the intestines received the radiation.

Changes in bowel movements may include:

• Bleeding or mucus from the rectum
• Diarrhea or watery stools
• Feeling the need to have a bowel movement most or all of the time
• Pain in the rectal area, especially during bowel movements

Other symptoms can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramping or pain

Most of the time, these symptoms get better within 2 - 3 weeks after radiation treatment ends. This is called acute radiation enteritis.

When symptoms become long-term (chronic), other problems may include:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Greasy or fatty stools
• Weight loss

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history.

Tests are not needed very often, but may include:

• Barium x-ray examination
• Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
• Upper endoscopy