What happens in the gastrointestinal (GI) syndrome caused by radiation?

In gastrointestinal (GI) syndrome caused by radiation, the critical effect occurs primarily in the lining of the intestinal walls. When a person is exposed to high doses of radiation, the cells in the rapidly dividing tissues of the intestinal epithelium are particularly sensitive. This exposure leads to cell damage or death, resulting in a compromised mucosal barrier. As a result, the integrity of the intestinal lining is significantly affected, which can cause a loss of the villi that are essential for nutrient absorption.

With the destruction of the intestinal lining, patients experience severe issues with nutrient absorption, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. This situation underscores how radiation can undermine critical systems, like the digestive process, by directly damaging the structures necessary for its function.

While there are other changes that can occur due to radiation exposure, they do not specifically characterize the GI syndrome in the same way as the destruction of the intestinal lining and the subsequent nutrient absorption challenges.