Print DiagnosisDiagnosis for radiation enteritis might start with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam. To see inside your small intestine, a long flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat (endoscopy). Or the tube can be passed through your rectum to look at your large intestine (colonoscopy). Sometimes a pill-sized camera that you swallow is used to create pictures of your intestines (capsule endoscopy). Other tests might include imaging tests, such as X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI scan. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your radiation enteritis-related health concerns Start Here TreatmentRadiation enteritis treatment usually involves managing symptoms until they go away. This condition causes irritation of the intestines after radiation therapy for cancer. Your health care provider might recommend changes to your diet and medications for diarrhea and pain. Antibiotics can treat an overgrowth of bacteria. If radiation enteritis lasts longer, you might need a feeding tube. Sometimes, surgery is used to bypass the part of the intestine that's irritated.More InformationRadiation enteritis care at Mayo ClinicHome enteral nutrition By Mayo Clinic Staff Radiation enteritis care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments April 06, 2024 Print Living with radiation enteritis? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Cancer: Managing Symptoms Discussions Rectal Radiation and Nutrition: Anyone have plant-based diet advice? 21 Replies Thu, Apr 18, 2024 chevron-right Does anyone have experience with Palliative Care? 103 Replies Thu, Apr 18, 2024 chevron-right Wound from radiation therapy won't heal: What helps? 12 Replies Wed, Apr 17, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Yeo CJ, ed. Radiation enteritis. In: Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 12, 2022. Roberts I. Diagnosis and management of chronic radiation enteritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 12, 2022. Gastrointestinal complications (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/constipation/GI-complications-hp-pdq. Accessed Jan. 12, 2022. Loge L, et al. Radiation enteritis: Diagnostic and therapeutic issues. Journal of Visceral Surgery. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2020.08.012. Fay Hale M. Radiation enteritis: From diagnosis to management. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2020; doi:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000632. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. March 11, 2022. Related Associated Procedures Home enteral nutrition Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Radiation enteritisSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20248518 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Radiation enteritis