Guide To Managing Radiation Enteritis

Feeding Tube

There are numerous reasons why a feeding tube may need to be utilized during treatment for radiation enteritis. The common symptoms of nausea and vomiting that present in most radiation enteritis patients can cause them to stop eating regularly. Patients who are also affected by cancer will rapidly lose weight and become deficient in many nutrients when they stop eating regularly. Other individuals may be so affected by the pain of food moving through the bowel that they quit consuming food regularly. It is also possible for the intestines to become so damaged or inflamed that they simply cannot perform their function of absorbing nutrients despite the regular consumption of food. When diet changes and medication are ineffective at treating symptoms causing an individual with radiation enteritis to become malnourished, a feeding tube may be needed. Often, the temporary use of a feeding tube will put less strain on the patient's intestines and allow for easier healing. In addition, bacterial overgrowth may become an issue with damaged intestines. When this cannot be mediated with diet or medication, a feeding tube may be recommended to maintain the correct bacterial balance in the gut.

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