6 symptoms that require colonoscopy

With the development of medical technology, most diseases can generally be effectively treated, but the prerequisite is of course to do an examination to confirm the condition. However, not all examinations are painless for patients. Take gastroscopy and colonoscopy for example. Those who have undergone them know that the pain is not much less than when the disease attacks. But for the sake of health, these examinations are sometimes necessary. Today, let’s talk about the 6 symptoms that require colonoscopy.

Chronic diarrhea or constipation. Generally speaking, defecation 1-3 times a day or once every 1-3 days is normal as long as it forms a regular pattern. Of course, once a day is best. If you have bowel movements more than three times a day or once every three days, without any regularity, and it lasts for more than two months, it is called chronic diarrhea or constipation. At this time, a colonoscopy is needed to rule out inflammation and tumors in the intestines. If these can be ruled out, the doctor can diagnose functional intestinal disease and regulate intestinal function for treatment.

Blood in the stool. Blood in the stool must not be ignored. Many people first self-diagnose hemorrhoids. Of course, 90% of blood in the stool is caused by hemorrhoids, but who can rule out that they are among the 10%? So once blood in the stool appears, bright red or dark red, a colonoscopy should be performed. Only when intestinal lesions are ruled out can hemorrhoids be treated with peace of mind.

Difficulty in defecation. Difficulty in defecation is different from constipation. Constipation means there is no urge to defecate, while difficulty in defecation means there is a urge to defecate, that is, you want to defecate but cannot. In this case, colonoscopy is necessary. Many elderly people have difficulty in defecation because of local stenosis caused by intestinal lesions.

Chronic abdominal pain. Chronic middle and lower abdominal pain is mostly related to intestinal diseases. Female patients should rule out gynecological diseases. Intestinal inflammation and tumors can cause chronic abdominal pain, with dull pain and bloating as the main manifestations, and is closely related to diet, sleep, bowel movements, and emotional influences.

Changes in stool shape and regularity. Any sudden changes in stool shape or pattern in the past three months should be taken seriously.

Self-screening for high-risk groups. People who have direct relatives with colorectal cancer, frequently consume pickled foods, spicy foods, barbecued foods, or live in areas with a high incidence of colorectal cancer are all at high risk and should undergo colonoscopy for self-examination to ensure early detection and early intervention.