Radiation enteritis: what are its symptoms, causes and treatment

Radiation enteritis is an inflammation of the intestines that occurs after radiation therapy.

Radiation enteritis causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps in people who receive radiation in the abdomen, pelvis or rectum. It is more common in people receiving radiation therapy for cancer of the abdomen and pelvic region.

In most cases, radiation enteritis is temporary and the inflammation usually subsides several weeks after treatment has ended. But, in some cases, radiation enteritis can persist long after radiation therapy has ended or develop months or years after treatment.

Chronic radiation enteritis can lead to complications such as anemia, diarrhea or bowel obstruction.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms until the inflammation subsides. In severe cases, it may be necessary to place a feeding tube or have surgery to remove sections of the intestine.

Symptoms of radiation enteritis include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Symptoms may occur due to irritation of the intestines from radiation therapy for cancer. They usually disappear several weeks after the end of treatment. However, sometimes they last longer. Radiation enteritis that lasts longer can lead to anemia and bowel obstruction.

The diagnosis of radiation enteritis can begin with a review of your medical history and a physical exam.

To see inside the small intestine, a long flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted down the throat. The tube can also be inserted into the rectum to examine the large intestine (colonoscopy). Sometimes you have to swallow a pill-sized camera, which is used to create images of the intestine (capsule endoscopy). Other tests may include imaging tests, such as an X-ray, a computed tomography or one magnetic resonance .

Treatment for radiation enteritis usually consists of monitoring symptoms until they resolve. This condition causes irritation of the intestines after radiation therapy for cancer. The health care provider may recommend dietary changes and medications for diarrhea and pain. Antibiotics can be used to treat excessive growth of bacteria. If radiation enteritis lasts longer, you may need a feeding tube. Sometimes surgery is used to bypass the part of the intestine that is irritated.