Daily total dose should not exceed 16 capsules. In addition to the above, relief from abdominal pain may be obtained by the use of narcotics. If proctitis is present, a steroid foam given rectally may offer relief of symptoms. Finally, if patients with pancreatic cancer are experiencing diarrhea during radiation therapy, they should be evaluated for the need for oral pancreatic enzyme replacement, as deficiencies in these enzymes alone can cause diarrhea. The Role of Nutrition in Acute Enteritis Damage to the intestinal villi from radiation therapy results in a reduction or loss of enzymes, one of the most important of these being lactase.
Lactase is essential in the digestion of milk and milk products.
Although there is no evidence that a lactose restricted diet will prevent radiation enteritis, a diet that is lactose free, low fat, and low residue can be an effective modality in symptom management. Processed cheese may also be tolerated since the lactose is removed with the whey when it is separated from the cheese curd. Carbonated beverages should be allowed to lose their carbonation prior to drinking Add nutmeg to food, which will help to decrease mobility of GI tract Start a low residue diet on day 1 of radiation therapy treatment References 1. Reston Publishing Company, Inc., 1982. Signs and symptoms include colicky abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, tenesmus, steatorrhea, weight loss, and nausea and vomiting.