• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • COVID-19 INFO
  • learn More
inSite Digestive Health Care
  • Find a
    location
  • Patient
    Portal
  • Telehealth
  • online
    Bill Pay
  • Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • Careers
    • Clinical Research
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • For Patients
    • New Patients
    • Prep Instructions
    • Telehealth
    • Patient Education
    • COVID-19 Precautions
    • Insurances Accepted
    • FAQs
    • Policies
  • Conditions
    • Upper GI Disorders
    • Lower GI Disorders
    • Functional GI Disorders
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • Liver Disease
    • Hemorrhoids
  • Procedures
    • Colonoscopy
    • Upper GI Endoscopy
    • Esophageal Dilation
    • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    • Endoscopic Ultrasound
    • Capsule Endoscopy
    • Esophageal Manometry
    • Outpatient Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastronomy
    • Hemorrhoid Therapy
    • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP)
    • Fibroscan
    • Abdominal Pelvic Ultrasound
    • Nutritional Services
    • Telehealth Consultations
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
    • Find a
      location
    • Patient
      Portal
    • Telehealth
    • online
      Bill Pay
  •  

Signs You May Need A Colonoscopy

November 5, 2021

Doctor holding colon xray vector illustration

Colonoscopies are not only effective in the early detection of colorectal cancer but also other abnormalities.

You’ve probably heard that you will need a colonoscopy once you hit the age of 50. However, the number of people younger than 50 getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer is growing.

Here are some signs that you may need to discuss getting a colonoscopy with your doctor.

What Are The Signs You Need A Colonoscopy?

Colorectal cancer has various symptoms. Many of these indicate less serious issues, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You might want to ask your doctor if a colonoscopy is right for you if you’re experiencing the following:

Bloody Stools

While bloody stools might indicate other problems such as anal tears, ulcerative colitis, and hemorrhoids, they shouldn’t be overlooked. If you notice blood in your stool, see your doctor to rule out any serious condition.

Rectal Bleeding

Bleeding in your rectum may occur simply due to constipation or hemorrhoids. However, if it becomes profuse, consult with your doctor.

Abdominal Cramps Or Pain

If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your abdomen, it is worthwhile to check with your doctor about possible reasons.

Change In Bowel Movements

Such changes may come in the form of:

  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Narrower stools
  • Feeling that your bowel isn’t emptying properly
  • Bowel incontinence

Sudden Weight Loss

There are many serious reasons why you would experience unexplained weight loss, in addition to being a symptom of colorectal cancer. Unexplained weight loss warrants a trip to your doctor.

Fatigue Or Tiredness (Anemia)

Anemia is a condition involving a shortage of red blood cells. It’s most often characterized by shortness of breath and feeling sluggish even with rest.

If any of these symptoms persist over a long period, it’s time to schedule a meeting with your doctor. If you have a personal or a family history of colorectal polyps, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, then all the more reason to consult with your doctor about getting a colonoscopy procedure.

What Is A Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure where the physician uses a colonoscope to examine the large intestine. This device (a tiny camera attached to a long, flexible tube) enables them to remove tissue. It also allows them to irrigate, suction, inject air into, and access the bowel with surgical tools. It’s usually performed to identify colon problems, such as:

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Inflamed tissue
  • Polyps
  • Ulcers
  • Bleeding

What Happens During And After A Colonoscopy?

Your doctor will insert the colonoscope into the rectum and colon. You may feel mild pressure or cramps, though the anesthesia will eliminate any discomfort you feel. They will then take tissue samples or search for other abnormalities.

After the procedure, you’ll be observed in the recovery room for a certain amount of time before getting discharged. You may also be given dietary instructions. Since sedation takes time to wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

Rare complications might include bleeding, cramping, or bloating. Consider colonoscopy alternatives with your doctor, who can determine if you are at risk for these complications. Other tests, such as CT colonography and stool tests, can also detect colorectal cancer and polyps.

If you suffer from severe rectal bleeding or abdominal pain and high fever after a colonoscopy, don’t wait. Head to your local emergency room or contact your doctor.

How Do You Prepare For A Colonoscopy?

Once they determine that a colonoscopy is necessary and appropriate for you, your physician will explain the process. This is the perfect time to ask any questions and clear up any confusion or fears you may have.

Before performing a colonoscopy procedure, your doctor will go over details about your health. They’ll ask whether or not you have diabetes or allergies and are taking any medications. If you’re taking any blood thinners, you’ll need to adjust the dosage or stop taking them temporarily.

Pre colonoscopy, make sure to follow your doctor’s dietary instructions. The night before the procedure, you’ll be required to drink a bowel-cleansing liquid. This “bowel prep” is necessary to ensure that your colon is empty, so the physician can see clearly inside your colon.

Top-Notch Colonoscopy Procedure In California

Testing is the key to prevention, and treatments are more likely to succeed when you catch disease in its early stages. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if you’re concerned about your colon health.

At inSite Digestive Health Care, we take pride in being equipped to provide patients with the highest quality of care for gastrointestinal issues. With our advanced techniques, skilled professionals, and compassionate staff, we give nothing less than the best and most effective treatments possible.

If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment, you may call the inSite location nearest you or fill out our online form. We look forward to serving you!

Filed Under: Colonoscopy Tagged With: colonoscopy appointment, colonoscopy in California, colonoscopy near me, Colonoscopy Prep, colonoscopy procedure, Colonoscopy Procedure near me, colonoscopy screening, Colorectal Cancer

Primary Sidebar

November 2021
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
« Oct   Dec »

Categories

  • Anoscopy
  • Blood stool
  • Colon cancer
  • Colonoscopy
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Digestive Health
  • EGD Test
  • Endoscopy
  • ERCP
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test
  • FibroScan
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Gastroenterology
  • Gastroenterology Clinic
  • General
  • GI Disorders
  • H.Pylori Test
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hepatology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • manometry test
  • Medications
  • News
  • Nutrition
  • Pill Camera
  • Telehealth Services
  • Uncategorized
  • Weight Loss

Tags

anoscopy California anoscopy near me best gastroenterologist near me Best GI Clinic best gi clinic near me best GI doctor near me best gi specialist near me colon cancer colon cancer diagnosis colon cancer risk Colon Cancer screening Colon Cancer screening near me colonoscopy colonoscopy appointment colonoscopy California colonoscopy in California colonoscopy near me Colonoscopy Prep colonoscopy procedure Colonoscopy Procedure near me Colorectal Cancer Digestive Health digestive health care near me Endoscopy near me gastroenterologist California gastroenterologist clinic in California gastroenterologist in California gastroenterologist near me Gastroenterologists near me Gastroenterology Clinic Gastroenterology Clinic in California Gastroenterology Clinic near me gastrointestinal care GI care GI Clinic in California GI Clinic near me gi doctor in California gi doctor near me GI specialist in California GI specialist near me hemorrhoids rubber band ligation Hemorrhoid Treatment in California Hemorrhoid treatment near me inSite Digestive Health Care Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment

Footer

Our
Blog

Keep up with the latest developments in gastroenterology as well as news about our practice and the events we sponsor.

Learn More

Patient
Education Library

Learn about the symptoms and treatments for some of the most common GI conditions and disorders we treat.

Learn More

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Find a Location
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Patient Portal
  • Telehealth
  • About
  • Our Provider
  • Conditions
  • Services & Procedures
  • For Patients
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Patient Education
  • Locations
  • Request an Appointment
  • Contact Us

Policies

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Terms of Use
  • Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)
  • Aviso de Prácticas de Privacidad
  • Non-Discrimination Policy
  • Financial Policy
  • Return Policy

Resources

  • COVID-19 Precautions
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sitemap
Copyright © · inSite Digestive Health Care · All Rights Reserved
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

inSite Digestive Health Care, now Genesis Healthcare Partners, an affiliate of Unio Health Partners, offers diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal system with locations across all of California.