Radiation therapy may affect nutrition
- Radiation therapy to any part of the digestive system has side effects that cause nutrition problems.
- Most of the side effects begin two to three weeks after radiation therapy begins and go away a few weeks after it is finished.
- Some side effects can continue for months or years after treatment ends.
The following are some of the more common side effects:
- For radiation therapy to the brain or head and neck
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth or thick saliva. Medication may be given to treat a dry mouth.
- Sore mouth and gums
- Changes in the way food tastes
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Being unable to fully open the mouth
- For radiation therapy to the chest
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Trouble or pain while swallowing
- Choking or breathing problems caused by changes in the upper esophagus
- For radiation therapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or rectum
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Bowel obstruction
- Colitis
- Diarrhea
Additional information can be found at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-pdq
