K52: Other noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

K52.0: Gastroenteritis and colitis due to radiation

Nuclear radiation damages the genetic material in our cells. As a result, the cells may change or be damaged. If you are exposed to a lot of radiation in a short time, you may quickly get symptoms. It is also possible that you will only get symptoms late.

Nuclear radiation is used for instance in cancer treatment. Cells, especially ones that divide frequently, have been damaged by the radiation. The cells in the intestines frequently divide, so the intestines can be damaged by radiation and become inflamed.

As a result of the inflammation in your stomach or intestines, you may have diarrhea and abdominal pain.