How to Cope With Radiation Enteritis

Patients receiving radiation to the abdomen or pelvis can develop radiation enteritis, an inflammation of the small intestine that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Acute radiation enteritis usually gets better shortly after treatment concludes, but chronic enteritis can last for years. Follow recommendations for managing radiation enteritis closely, because a compromised nutrition status reduces your ability to heal and tolerate cancer treatments.

Instructions

1. Consider antidiarrhea medications to control diarrhea. Doctors can recommend Kaopectate, Lotomil, Imodium or Paregoric, depending on the severity of the diarrhea.

2. Ask the doctor about prescription pain medications to relieve abdominal cramps. Doctors have used Donnatal to alleviate painful spasms successfully. Opioids provide an option for severe pain.

3. Reduce rectal irritation with topical steroids. Patients can ask their doctor for the steroid foam formula, administered via the rectum.

4. Eliminate sources of lactose in the diet. Following radiation therapy, the intestines can stop making the enzyme lactase, needed to process milk, ice cream, cheese and other foods that contain lactose. Most patients can tolerate buttermilk and yogurt.

5. Choose foods with a low-fiber content. Fiber absorbs water and speeds the movement of food through the bowel, which exacerbates diarrhea. Eat fresh produce and whole-grain foods sparingly.

6. Remain hydrated by drinking at least 12 glasses of water a day. If you prefer soda, coffee or tea, choose the decaffeinated versions.

7. Consent to surgery if you have chronic, unresponsive radiation enteritis. Doctors must create a bypass or remove the damaged intestine in a small percentage of patients with severe damage.