Radiation Enteritis
Overview
Radiation enteritis is a condition where the intestines become inflamed after someone gets radiation therapy. This inflammation happens most often when radiation is directed at the stomach, lower belly (pelvis), or rectum. It's a common side effect of radiation treatment for cancers in these areas.
The inflammation causes symptoms like diarrhea, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), throwing up (vomiting), and tummy aches.
For many people, the inflammation goes away on its own a few weeks after the radiation therapy ends. However, some people might have symptoms that last much longer, even months or years after the treatment stops. This is called chronic radiation enteritis.
If the inflammation continues, it can lead to serious problems, such as a lack of red blood cells (anemia), ongoing diarrhea, or a blockage in the intestines.
Doctors usually focus on easing the symptoms until the inflammation heals. This might involve medications to help with nausea and diarrhea. In very serious cases, a feeding tube might be needed to provide nutrition, or surgery to remove parts of the intestines might be considered.
Symptoms
Radiation enteritis is a condition that can affect the intestines after cancer treatment. This happens because radiation therapy, used to kill cancer cells, can also irritate the intestines. The irritation causes symptoms like diarrhea, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), throwing up (vomiting), and stomach pains (cramps).
These symptoms usually disappear a few weeks after the radiation treatment ends. However, sometimes the symptoms can last longer. If radiation enteritis continues for a while, it can lead to problems like anemia (a condition where your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells) and bowel blockages (obstructions).
Risk factors
People getting radiation therapy for cancers in their stomach area or pelvis have a higher chance of developing radiation enteritis. This happens because the radiation can irritate the lining of the intestines. Essentially, the powerful radiation used to kill cancer cells can also damage the delicate tissues of the intestines, leading to inflammation and soreness.
Diagnosis
Understanding Radiation Enteritis: How Doctors Diagnose It
Figuring out if you have radiation enteritis, a condition where radiation treatment affects the intestines, often starts with a talk about your health history and a physical check-up. Your doctor will ask questions about your past illnesses, medications, and any symptoms you're experiencing. A physical exam helps them assess your overall health.
To get a closer look at your intestines, doctors might use special tools. One method involves inserting a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera down your throat to examine your small intestine (endoscopy). Alternatively, the same type of tube can be inserted through your rectum to view your large intestine (colonoscopy). Another option is a small camera capsule that you swallow. This capsule travels through your digestive system and takes pictures of your intestines (capsule endoscopy). These pictures help doctors see any damage or inflammation.
Beyond these procedures, imaging tests can also provide valuable information. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are examples of imaging tests that create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. These images can help diagnose the extent of the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment
Radiation enteritis is a problem that happens when radiation treatment for cancer irritates the intestines. Essentially, the radiation can inflame and cause discomfort in the intestines. Usually, doctors focus on relieving the symptoms until they improve on their own.
This often involves making adjustments to your diet. For example, eating foods that are easier on your digestive system, like bland foods, may help. Your doctor might also prescribe medicines to manage diarrhea and any pain you're experiencing.
If there's a bacterial overgrowth, antibiotics can help. This is a common complication that can worsen the symptoms. If the radiation enteritis persists for a long time, you might need a feeding tube to provide nutrition. This is a tube that goes into your stomach or intestines to deliver nutrients.
In very severe cases, surgery might be an option. Sometimes, a part of the irritated intestine can be bypassed to allow the rest of the digestive system to heal. This is a last resort and is usually only considered if other treatments aren't working.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.