Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Radiation enteropathy natural history, complications, and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- When the abdomen receives radiation, there is always some nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- In most cases, the symptoms get better 2 – 3 weeks after treatment ends.
- However, when this condition develops, symptoms may last for a long period of time. Long-term (chronic) enteritis is rarely curable.
Possible complications
Possible complications
- Bleeding and anemia
- Dehydration
- Malabsorption
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]