Radiation Enteritis

Radiation enteritis is an inflammatory condition of the intestines that occurs as a result of radiation therapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or lower spine, most commonly during cancer treatment. The small intestine is particularly sensitive to radiation damage due to its rapidly dividing cells. Radiation enteritis may develop during treatment or months to years after therapy and can be classified as acute or chronic depending on the timing and severity of symptoms.

Radiation Enteritis Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on whether the condition is acute or chronic and on the extent of intestinal damage.

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Diarrhea, which may be watery or persistent

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bloating and gas

• Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss

• Fatigue and weakness

• Rectal bleeding in chronic cases

• Malabsorption leading to nutritional deficiencies

Radiation Enteritis Causes

Radiation enteritis is caused by damage to the intestinal lining and blood vessels from ionizing radiation.

• Radiation-induced injury to rapidly dividing intestinal cells

• Inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa

• Reduced blood supply due to vascular damage

• Fibrosis and scarring of intestinal tissue over time

• Altered intestinal motility and absorption

Radiation Enteritis Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing radiation enteritis.

• High doses of abdominal or pelvic radiation

• Large treatment fields involving the small intestine

• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery

• Concurrent chemotherapy

• Poor nutritional status

• Pre-existing bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease

• Smoking during cancer treatment

Radiation Enteritis Complications

If not properly managed, radiation enteritis can lead to significant complications.

• Chronic diarrhea and dehydration

• Intestinal strictures causing bowel obstruction

• Fistula formation between intestinal loops or adjacent organs

• Intestinal perforation

• Severe malnutrition and weight loss

• Reduced quality of life

• Increased risk of infections due to poor nutrient absorption

Radiation Enteritis Prevention

Prevention strategies focus on minimizing radiation exposure to healthy intestinal tissue and supporting gut health.

• Advanced radiation techniques to limit exposure to surrounding organs

• Careful treatment planning and dose optimization

• Maintaining good nutritional status before and during therapy

• Avoiding smoking during radiation treatment

• Early reporting of gastrointestinal symptoms

• Use of protective medications when appropriate

• Regular follow-up after radiation therapy for early detection and management

Radiation enteritis is a known complication of cancer treatment, but early recognition and appropriate supportive care can significantly reduce symptom severity and long-term complications.