Radiation enteritis is a condition that occurs when radiation therapy for cancer affects the small and large intestines. Radiation therapy can damage the cells lining the intestines, leading to inflammation and injury to the digestive tract. The severity of radiation enteritis can vary from mild to severe, and it can cause a range of symptoms.

Symptoms of radiation enteritis can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and blood in the stool. These symptoms can occur during or shortly after radiation treatment, or they may develop months or even years later. In severe cases, radiation enteritis can lead to intestinal obstruction or malabsorption, which can cause malnutrition and weight loss.

Treatment for radiation enteritis may include medications to control symptoms, such as anti-diarrheal drugs or pain relievers. In more severe cases, nutritional support may be necessary, such as intravenous fluids or feeding tubes. Surgery may be required in some cases to treat complications such as bowel obstruction.

Prevention of radiation enteritis is an important consideration in radiation therapy. Your healthcare provider may take steps to minimize radiation exposure to healthy tissues, such as using specialized radiation delivery techniques or administering the radiation in smaller doses over a longer period of time. They may also recommend changes to your diet or the use of medication to help protect your digestive tract during radiation therapy. If you experience symptoms of radiation enteritis, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Radiation enteritis treatment usually involves things to make you feel better until it goes away. This condition causes irritation of the intestines after radiation therapy for cancer. Your doctor might recommend changes to your diet and medicines for diarrhea and pain. If your radiation enteritis lasts longer, you might need a feeding tube. Antibiotics can treat an overgrowth of bacteria. Sometimes surgery is used to bypass the part of your intestine that's irritated.