Condition
Radiation enteropathy
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 5 May 20051 min read
Key points
- 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.
Alternative names
Radiation enteritis; 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.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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