It is easy to neglect health and then realize a little later why it is essential to take care ourselves. Remember that a critical aspect of our lives is the food that we ingest. But not everything we eat is efficiently digested in our body by our gastrointestinal system. However, this is not only the case in people having a particular disease, but sometimes normal and healthy individuals also face such health concerns. Many bacteria reside in our colon, maintaining the gastro health and the normal flora of our intestines; disturbance in normal flora can lead to various diseases which require treatments such as colonoscopy.
Here are six signs indicating that you need a colonoscopy.
Hereditary Conditions
Suppose you have a genetic history of intestinal polyps, intestinal invasion through microbes, diarrhea triggered by drugs, and extensive intestine inflammation. In that case, you should get a colonoscopy done to minimize the risk factors and identify the cause.
Cramps
Cramps are one of the significant signs you will need a colonoscopy. Cramps can be related to diarrhea, menstrual cycle, or menopause; however, if you are not likely to have these symptoms, then these cramps can surely arise due to any significant disease such as colorectal cancer.
Bloating
Bloating can be drug-induced, diarrheal induced, and can also be a sign of constipation. However, continuous bloating with undiagnosed conditions can be jeopardizing. In this case, colonoscopy is the best solution to rule out the cause.
Change in Bowel Habits
A sudden or progressive change in bowel habits such as chronic diarrhea, excessive peristalsis, bloody stool, constipation, and pain during passing stool can all be the causes of any intestinal problem. Getting an examination through colonoscopy is one of the ways to identify the cause.
Piles/ Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the signs that might indicate you to consult a gastroenterologist and also get a colonoscopy done. Often hemorrhoids are internal and invasive and can lead to excessive diarrhea with blood. In addition to this, a colonoscopy will aid your gastroenterologist in proceeding with the treatment as well.
Rectal bleeding
Rectal bleeding alone without diarrhea and constipation is a dangerous sign and symptom of any underlying disease. In this condition, it is better to get a colonoscopy done to examine the cause of such bleeding as it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and discomfort.
Conclusively, these are the most common signs that nudge you to go for a colonoscopy. In addition to this, if you have colorectal cancer history in your family, you should opt for a colonoscopy after 40.
