Radiation enteropathy; Radiation-induced small bowel injury; Post-radiation enteritis

Symptoms may be different depending on what part of the intestines received the radiation.

Changes in bowel movements may include:

• Bleeding or mucus from the rectum
• Diarrhea or watery stools
• Feeling the need to have a bowel movement most or all of the time
• Pain in the rectal area, especially during bowel movements

Other symptoms can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramping or pain

Most of the time, these symptoms get better within 2 - 3 weeks after radiation treatment ends. This is called acute radiation enteritis.

When symptoms become long-term (chronic), other problems may include:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Greasy or fatty stools
• Weight loss

The health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history.

Tests are not needed very often, but may include:

• Barium x-ray examination
• Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
• Upper endoscopy

Images

Digestive system organs

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Radiation enteritis Overview

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Radiation enteritis Treatment

Review Date: 07/22/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)