Radiation Enteritis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis for radiation enteritis often begins with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam. Your health care provider may use different tests to examine the intestines and identify inflammation or damage caused by radiation therapy. To view the inside of your small intestine, an endoscopy may be done using a long flexible tube with a camera that passes down your throat. A colonoscopy may be used to look at the large intestine by inserting the tube through the rectum. In some cases, a capsule endoscopy is recommended, where you swallow a pill-sized camera that captures images as it moves through your digestive system. Additional tests may include imaging studies such as X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI scan to help assess the condition of the intestines.

Treatment

Treatment for radiation enteritis focuses on managing symptoms until they improve. This condition results from irritation to the intestines following radiation therapy for cancer, and symptoms often lessen over time. Your health care provider may suggest dietary changes and medications to ease diarrhea and pain.

• Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial overgrowth.

• If symptoms persist for an extended period, a feeding tube may be needed to support nutrition.

• In some cases, surgery may be recommended to bypass the irritated section of the intestine.