Radiation enteritis is damage to the colon caused by radiation therapy, which is a type of treatment for cancer. People who have had radiation therapy to the pelvis or belly may have a higher risk of radiation enteritis. Some of the symptoms of radiation enteritis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frequent urges to have a bowel movement
- Stomach cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Watery diarrhea
- Weight loss
What you can do
There a number of things you can do to manage changes in bowel function after radiotherapy:
- Slowing the passage of stool through the bowel (diet management)
- Emptying the bowel more effectively
- Strengthening the muscles used for bowel control
Talk to your doctor if you notice the signs and symptoms of radiation enteritis.
