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Radiation enteritis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Radiation enteropathy; Radiation-induced small bowel injury

Treatment:

If the cancer was found early and enteritis symptoms are happening during radiation therapy, it may be possible to stop or reduce the dosage of radiation for a short period of time. It is important for you to report all symptoms to your doctor so adjustments can be made as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

Unfortunately, there often are no good treatments for chronic radiation enteritis. The best approach is to control the symptoms. This includes eating small frequent meals and taking anti-diarrheal or anti-spasmodic agents.

Expectations (prognosis):

When the abdomen is radiated, there is always some degree of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most cases, the symptoms are self-limiting and resolve when the treatments are completed. However, in the rare cases where this condition develops, symptoms may persist indefinitely.

Complications:

• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are undergoing radiation therapy or have had radiation in the past and are experiencing a lot of diarrhea.

• Review Date: 7/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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