Radiation enteritis is one of the health issues that arises if an individual is under radiation therapy for cancer. The condition is triggered by the inflammation of the small and/or large intestine from radiation therapy in the stomach, rectum or reproductive organs. The condition can lead to the loss of both intestinal tissues and cells.
There are 2 forms of radiation enteritis – acute and chronic. When it comes to acute enteritis, it develops while undergoing radiation therapy and usually lasts up to 8 weeks after the last treatment. As for the chronic type, it can lead to symptoms that lasts for months up to years after completing the therapy.
Signs and symptoms of radiation enteritis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Frequent urge to use the bathroom
- Weight loss
- Mucous drainage from the rectum
- Rectal pain and bleeding
- Wave-like stomach pain
What are the risk factors?
There are certain factors that can affect the likelihood of developing radiation enteritis which includes the following:
- Size and severity of the tumor being treated
- Radiation dosage and duration of therapy
- Size of the area treated
- Chemotherapy
The doctor might recommend dietary changes among those who are affected by radiation enteritis. - Diabetes
- Previous stomach surgery
- High blood pressure
- Poor nutrition
- Pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis
Management
Some of the commonly used treatment options include the following:
- Steroids
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Lactose-free and low-fat diet
- Strong pain-relief medications such as hydrocodone
- Antibiotics to deal with the excess bacteria inside the intestines
The doctor might recommend dietary changes among those who are affected by radiation enteritis. Take note that these changes are aimed to reduce the irritation to the digestive tract.
What are the foods to avoid?
- Greasy foods
- Dairy products
- Whole wheat bread
- Seeds and nuts
- Coffee and chocolate
- Raw vegetables
- Popcorn
- Strong herbs and spices
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol
What are the foods to include in the diet?
The following foods should be included in the diet:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Chicken (meat that has been cooked, roasted or broiled)
- Bananas
- Potatoes
- Applesauce
- Macaroni
- White bread
- Apple and grape juices
- Mildly cooked vegetables (spinach, wax beans, carrots)
The individual should work hand in hand with a doctor so that the ideal diet plan can be made to manage the symptoms.
What is the outlook?
Many individuals are able to manage radiation enteritis with dietary changes alone. Nevertheless, if there is significant damage to the intestines, there is a need for intestinal bypass surgery. This is a surgical procedure in which the damaged regions of the intestine are taken out and the healthy parts are connected but this is considered rare.