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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><merged xmlns:dita-ot="http://dita-ot.sourceforge.net/ns/201007/dita-ot" id="GUID-03a7b542-c454-4961-acb1-b884ed7dd09d-en" xml:lang="en" xtrf="file:/mnt/crx/author/crx-quickstart/profiles/ditamaps/ditamap14074236939514642423/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/p-r/radiation-enteritis/radiation-enteritis.ditamap"> <displayTitle>Radiation enteritis</displayTitle> <featureTitle/> <listTitle/> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Overview" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2024-04-06T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:LH4tCqbasYQuNbPE4DDvWc:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>overview radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-overview">Overview</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p product="mayoclinic.org"> <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors" keyref="attrib-mayo-clinic-staff-link" scope="external">By Mayo Clinic Staff</xref> </p> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Radiation enteritis is inflammation of the intestines that occurs after radiation therapy.</p> <p>Radiation enteritis causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps in people receiving radiation aimed at the abdomen, pelvis or rectum. It's most common in people receiving radiation therapy for cancer in the abdomen and pelvic areas.</p> <p>For most people, radiation enteritis is temporary, with inflammation usually subsiding several weeks after treatment ends. But for some, radiation enteritis may continue long after radiation therapy ends or may develop months or years after treatment.</p> <p>Chronic radiation enteritis can cause complications such as anemia, diarrhea or bowel obstruction.</p> <p>Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms until the inflammation heals. In severe cases, tube feeding or surgery to remove sections of the intestine may be necessary.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Symptoms" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2024-04-06T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:ERkX9DT1aNvuqLxV7yyqqJ:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>symptoms radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-symptoms">Symptoms</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>The symptoms of radiation enteritis include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Symptoms occur because of irritation of the intestines from radiation therapy for cancer. Symptoms usually go away several weeks after treatment ends. But sometimes they last longer. Radiation enteritis that goes on for longer can cause anemia and bowel obstruction.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/RiskFactors" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2024-04-06T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:C7GwbsNvkrPu9bdhdAt2jF:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>risk factors radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-risk-factors">Risk factors</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>The risk of radiation enteritis is higher in people undergoing radiation treatments for cancers in the belly and the pelvis. Radiation enteritis occurs because radiation therapy can cause irritation of the intestines.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Diagnosis" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2024-04-06T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:Dff54SD6fphx4FnS8K6oRg:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>diagnosis radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-diagnosis">Diagnosis</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Diagnosis for radiation enteritis might start with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam.</p> <p>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.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Treatment" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2024-04-06T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:Mpgi7GQ3sbXcbqafgVGJWf:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>treatment radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-treatment">Treatment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Radiation 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.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsReference contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/References" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2024-04-06T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:9BqG8krGbTBLfM7T9NGUCA:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>references radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-references">References</titleSimple> </titlealts> <prolog> <footnotes> <fn>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.</fn> <fn>Roberts I. Diagnosis and management of chronic radiation enteritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 12, 2022.</fn> <fn>Gastrointestinal complications (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/constipation/GI-complications-hp-pdq. Accessed Jan. 12, 2022.</fn> <fn>Loge L, et al. Radiation enteritis: Diagnostic and therapeutic issues. Journal of Visceral Surgery. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2020.08.012.</fn> <fn>Fay Hale M. Radiation enteritis: From diagnosis to management. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2020; doi:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000632.</fn> <fn>Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. March 11, 2022.</fn> </footnotes> </prolog> </hecsReference> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Research" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:WarBgiMdrbWw6tHER6kN5g:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>research radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-research">Research</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p>Mayo Clinic scientists are studying new ways to prevent radiation enteritis. They're also studying ways to diagnose and treat radiation enteritis.</p> <section> <title> <keyword keyref="sectionTitle-publications">Publications</keyword> </title> <p>See a <xref href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=((Enteritis%5BMesh%5D+AND+Radiation+Effects%5BMesh%5D)+or+Radiation+Enteritis%5BALL%5D)+AND+(55901%5BAD%5D+OR+55905%5BAD%5D+OR+32224%5BAD%5D+OR+85054%5BAD%5D+OR+85259%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+Clinic%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+Foundation%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+College%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+Medical%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+School%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+Graduate%5BAD%5D+OR+Mayo+Health%5BAD%5D)" keyref="pubMed-radiation-enteritis" scope="external">list of publications</xref> about radiation enteritis by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.</p> </section> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/CareMayoClinic" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:HT6gL1PxhUr73jJFXj6ZCq:2026-10-10" xml:lang="en"> <title>care at mayo radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleCustom>Radiation enteritis care at Mayo Clinic</titleCustom> </titlealts> <conbody> <p>Mayo Clinic experts work as a team to provide whole-person care to those with radiation enteritis.</p> <section> <title>Diagnosis at Mayo Clinic</title> <p>Mayo Clinic specialists review your medical history and perform a physical exam to better understand your condition.</p> <p>Additional tests and procedures may be used to understand the extent of your radiation enteritis, including:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Endoscopy.</b> During an endoscopy, a long, thin tube is passed down your throat and into your esophagus. The tube is equipped with a camera. Endoscopy allows examination of your stomach and the beginning of your small intestine.</li> <li> <b>Colonoscopy.</b> During a colonoscopy, a long, thin tube is passed through your rectum and into your colon. The tube is equipped with a camera. Colonoscopy can uncover changes in the colon and areas of inflammation.</li> <li> <b>Capsule endoscopy.</b> During a capsule endoscopy, you swallow a pill-sized camera that takes pictures as it passes through your digestive system. A capsule endoscopy allows for the inspection of the small intestine, which is difficult to access with other tests, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy.</li> <li> <b>Enteroscopy.</b> During enteroscopy, a camera-equipped scope reaches deeper into your small intestine to look for signs of radiation enteritis.</li> <li> <b>CT and MRI.</b> These imaging tests may show changes in your small intestine that suggest radiation enteritis. CT and MRI are usually done before a capsule endoscopy.</li> </ul> </section> <section> <title>Treatment at Mayo Clinic</title> <p>Radiation enteritis often is temporary. Your symptoms may subside in the weeks after your treatment ends. During this time, treatments may help relieve your symptoms. If radiation enteritis persists, other treatments may be recommended.</p> <p>If you experience symptoms of radiation enteritis, your health care provider may recommend:</p> <ul> <li>Anti-diarrheal medications</li> <li>Dietary changes, such as reducing your intake of dairy products, fatty foods and high-fiber foods</li> <li>Pain medications to relieve pain of inflammation</li> </ul> <p>Radiation enteritis that persists after treatment or that develops months or years after treatment is called chronic radiation enteritis. Treatment for chronic radiation enteritis is similar to treatments used for temporary radiation enteritis but may also include:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Nutritional support.</b> Inflammation in your small intestine may reduce your body's ability to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Nutritional support in the form of tube feeding ( <crossDeliverableLink> <targetMap>did:mcid:X14YS8SzHBdjWRG3ahfHHm:2026-07-01</targetMap> <targetMapPoCID>PRC-20213818</targetMapPoCID> <targetTopic>did:mcid:9PqWmw7pn1R6DiD9Xb1cVf:2026-07-29</targetTopic> <targetTopicPoCID/> <targetLinkText>home enteral nutrition</targetLinkText> </crossDeliverableLink>) or infusions of nutrients into a vein ( <crossDeliverableLink> <targetMap>did:mcid:8W4wrX5udNXc6cudwcYQaG:2026-07-01</targetMap> <targetMapPoCID>PRC-20257451</targetMapPoCID> <targetTopic>did:mcid:G3kQLPQEehsBFck2J1NPSg:2026-07-29</targetTopic> <targetTopicPoCID/> <targetLinkText>home parenteral nutrition</targetLinkText> </crossDeliverableLink>) may help make sure you get the energy and nutrients you need.</li> <li> <b>Antibiotics.</b> Inflammation caused by radiation may lead to a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine that may result in bloating and diarrhea. Bacterial overgrowth can occur if the bacteria that typically live in the large intestine grow in the small intestine. Antibiotics can control bacterial overgrowth.</li> <li> <b>Surgery.</b> In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove the affected intestine or to construct a way for waste to avoid that section. Because surgery carries a risk of complications, it is generally used only when other treatments don't work.</li> </ul> </section> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/ExpertiseRanking" policy="" reviewedOn="" workId="did:mcid:HEhf6UZNe4RM5GG2xegbbJ:2026-10-09" xml:lang="en"> <title>expertise rankings radiation enteritis</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-expertise-and-rankings">Expertise and rankings</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p>Mayo Clinic specialists are respected for their experience in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system, including radiation enteritis.</p> <section> <title>Your Mayo Clinic care team</title> <p>At Mayo Clinic, gastroenterologists, general surgeons and radiologists work as a multidisciplinary team to care for people with radiation enteritis. Other professionals are included as needed.</p> </section> <section> <title>Advanced diagnosis and treatment</title> <p>Mayo Clinic experts will work with you to review all your treatment options and choose the treatment that best suits your needs and goals.</p> <p>The range of treatments offered to people with radiation enteritis includes supportive care to treat symptoms, surgery to remove a portion of the intestine and a variety of options to improve nutrition while your intestine heals.</p> </section> <section> <title>Nationally recognized expertise</title> <p>Mayo Clinic experts have extensive experience diagnosing and treating radiation enteritis. 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