Radiation-Induced Small Bowel Injury

Radiation-induced small bowel injury, also called radiation enteritis, is an inflammation of this portion of the intestine that can occur in people who have received radiation therapy to the abdominal or pelvic area.

Common symptoms: It can cause cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and difficulty absorbing nutrients; sometimes the symptoms appear during treatment and other times later on.

Why it happens: Radiation directed at a nearby tumor can incidentally affect the intestinal lining, altering how it works.

Which specialist treats it? The gastroenterologist evaluates the digestive system and guides the follow-up of these symptoms. If persistent digestive symptoms appear after radiation therapy, the recommended step is to raise it with a professional for evaluation.