Symptoms and treatment of Radiation enteritis

Description

Radiation enteritis is the inflammation of the intestines that occurs after radiation therapy.

Radiation enteritis causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and cramps in the stomach in patients who receive targeted radiation to the abdomen, pelvis, or rectum. It is more common in people receiving radiation treatment for cancer in the abdomen and the pelvis.

For most people, radiation enteritis is temporary, with the inflammation tends to refer to several weeks after finishing the treatment. But for some, radiation enteritis can continue for a long time after radiation therapy ends or it can develop months or years after treatment.

Chronic radiation enteritis can lead to complications such as anemia, diarrhea, intestinal obstruction.

The treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms until the inflammation heals. In severe cases, a feeding tube, or surgery to remove sections of the bowel may be necessary.

Symptoms

The symptoms of radiation enteritis include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The symptoms occur due to the irritation of the intestines of radiation therapy for cancer. The symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks of the end of the treatment. But sometimes last longer. Radiation enteritis is going for a longer time can cause anemia, and intestinal obstruction.

Risk factors

The risk of radiation enteritis is higher in people who undergo radiation treatments for cancer in the abdomen and the pelvis. Radiation enteritis occurs due to the radiation therapy may cause irritation of the intestines.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of radiation enteritis may begin with a discussion of your medical history and a physical examination.

To see the inside of the small intestine, a long, flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat (endoscopy). Or the tube can be passed through your rectum to see in the large intestine (colonoscopy). Sometimes a pill-sized camera that is ingested is used to create images of your intestines (capsule endoscopy). Other tests may include imaging tests, such as x-rays, a ct scan or an mri.

Treatment

Radiation enteritis in the treatment usually involves managing the symptoms until it disappears. This condition causes irritation of the intestines after radiation therapy for cancer. Your health care provider may recommend changes in diet and medicines for diarrhea and pain. Antibiotics can treat an overgrowth of bacteria. If the radiation enteritis last more time, you may need a feeding tube. Sometimes, surgery is used to bypass the part of the intestine is irritated.