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