Radiation enteritis is an inflammation of the small and/or large intestines. It is one of the risks caused by radiation therapy for cancer in the abdomen and pelvic areas. The high doses of radiation used in the therapy can damage and injure the cells and tissues of the intestine. This condition is very common in people receiving radiation therapy and it can occur anytime after the therapy.
This condition is of two types.
- Acute or Early radiation enteritis is a temporary condition in which inflammation develops during the course of radiation therapy and lasts only for about six to eight weeks, after the treatment.
- In Chronic or Late radiation enteritis inflammation occurs often and begins after six to eighteen months of radiation treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of radiation enteritis are
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding or mucus from the rectum
- Pain during bowel movements
- Persistent urge to have a bowel movement
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
These symptoms usually subside in several weeks after the end of the treatment. But sometimes they can last longer. The type that lasts longer i.e. chronic radiation enteritis can cause anemia and partial bowel obstruction.
Causes
Radiation enteritis is generally caused when high doses of radiation are used in the treatment of cancer. But there are also other factors that can affect the chances of developing this condition. These factors are
- Duration of treatment
- Size of the area being treated
- Chemotherapy
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Stomach surgery
- Improper nutrition
Treatment
Changes in diet and medicines for diarrhea, corticosteroids to relieve inflammation, and painkillers might be recommended to treat this condition. Antibiotics can be used to treat excess bacterial growth in the intestines. In cases where the condition lasts longer, there can be a need for a feeding tube. Sometimes, surgery is also done to bypass the part of the damaged intestine.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/radiation-enteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355409#:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/radiation-enteritis#diagnosis
