Radiation enteritis

Alternative names

Radiation enteropathy; Radiation-induced small bowel injury

Definition

Enteritis occurs when the lining of the small intestine swells and becomes inflamed. When the abdomen is radiated, the normal intestine in the radiation field can be damaged. Side effects including nausea, Vomiting, and diarrhea often occur during or immediately after radiation therapy.

Damage that persists and causes long-standing inflammation in the intestine is called radiation enteritis and results in long-term diarrhea.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Exposure of the abdomen to radiation can cause radiation enteritis. Anyone whose cancer requires radiation therapy to the abdomen (such as women with cervical or uterine cancer or anyone with rectal cancer) is at risk. When the normal intestine in the radiation field becomes inflamed (enteritis), a patient can develop nausea, Vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms often occur during or immediately after radiation therapy.

If the damage lasts only a short time, it is called acute radiation enteritis, but if damage persists and causes long-standing inflammation in the intestine, it is called chronic radiation enteritis and results in long-term diarrhea.

Symptoms

• diarrhea
  
• nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Weight loss
  
• Anorexia
  

Signs and tests
Usually, diagnosis is made by physical exam and history. Occasionally, your doctor may order a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to look at the lining of intestine directly. Biopsies of suspicious areas may also be taken during the procedure.

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. Symptomatic control is the best approach. This includes eating small frequent meals and taking anti-l or anti-spasmodic agents.