How Do You 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. Consider antidiarrhea medications to control diarrhea. Doctors can recommend Kaopectate, Lotomil, Imodium or Paregoric, depending on the severity of the diarrhea. 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. Reduce rectal irritation with topical steroids. Patients can ask their doctor for the steroid foam formula, administered via the rectum. Eliminate sources o
