What is radiation enteritis?
Radiation therapy is the basis for the treatment of abdominal and rectal cancer. However, the procedure that is designed to remove cancer cells can also damage healthy cells around. Radiation enteritis occurs when medical radiation leads to inflammation and intestinal irritation. The condition is usually an acute consequence of frequent treatment and symptoms of diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain as soon as the course of cancer treatment is completed. Radiation enteritis can sometimes become a chronic condition that can cause discomfort throughout their lives.
acute radiation can begin at any moment during radiation treatment. In its early stages enteritis usually leads to stomach, frequent abdominal cramps, flatulence and diarrhea. A person may also have nausea, vomiting and dehydration attacks. Chronic radiation of enteritis tends to cause similar symptoms, although pain tends to be constant and many people experience a significant weight loss. Without treatment it is possible for intestinal tissue to tear and leave the body prone to potentially life -threateningEmployment bleeding and infections.
Cancer patient with gastrointestinal problems should consult his doctor to receive a thorough diagnostic screening procedure. The doctor may decide to scan abdominal computed tomography to check signs of inflammation. The colonoscopic procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the small intestine can be done to allow the specialist to look closer to the intestines and extract a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the physician may determine the most suitable means of treatment of radiation enteritis.
Treatment of acute enteritis radiation usually focuses on alleviating symptoms. The patient is usually instructed to get a lot of rest and also anti-dharrheal and anti-inflammatory drugs. Doctors often prescribe specific diet plans for their patients that promote increased fiber intake, eliminating LAktosis, caffeine and spicy foods. By observing doctors' commands and maintaining a suitable diet, the patient usually begins to feel better in about one month.
Chronic radiation enteritis is more difficult to treat and the condition may not respond to dietary changes or anti -inflammatory drugs. Doctors try to avoid surgical procedure and focus their efforts to alleviate symptoms with drugs whenever possible. If surgery is the only option, the specialist can try to repair or replace damaged intestinal pathways by invasive procedure. After surgery, the patient may be hospitalized for several days or weeks to allow doctors to monitor recovery.