Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases can make your life worse. The first thing they do is restrict you from having your favourite food. Patients do not report to the physician unless their symptoms worsen and they are asked for a colonoscopy. Thankfully, it allows identification of GI diseases at an early stage.
As colonoscopy is a frontline test for gastrointestinal diseases, let us find out the most commonly occurring diseases that only a colonoscopy can detect.
What is a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that uses internal cameras to create pictures of the GI tract. It easily detects the diseases of the colon and rectum. It allows doctors to inspect the inside lining, detect irritation, hemorrhage, unusual growths, or infections. It may also tell whether any abnormality detected should require further biopsy or not.
4 Diseases Detected Through Colonoscopy
Four common diseases a colonoscopy can find are:
1. Colon Malignancy/Cancer
Any abnormal cells or polyps (abnormal growths) discovered by a colonoscopy have the possibility of becoming colon cancer if untreated. Early cancer diagnosis enhances survival rates and results of therapy.
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the feces or rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea.
- Continuous stomach discomfort or bloating
- Exhaustion or weakness
2. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which normally affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. A colonoscopy enables tissue biopsies to confirm the inflammation and allows physicians to spot inflamed areas.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal cramps and discomfort
- Chronic or extreme diarrhea
- Fever and tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Inflammation of the eyes, skin, or joints
3. Ulcerative Colitis
Another type of IBD, ulcerative colitis. It causes sores and continuous inflammation of the lining of the colon. Colonoscopy helps to identify the severity and location of the illness.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Hyperactivity of the abdominal muscles causes diarrhea
- Loose and bloody stools
- Abdominal discomfort and cramping
- Weight reduction
4. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids or piles are collections of swollen veins just below the rectum or around the anal opening. It is a very painful condition that results from chronic constipation.
Potential signs are:
- Bleeding while passing stool
- Abdominal gas and swelling
- Persistent pain in the stomach
- Weight gain due to constipation
- Fatigue due to forcefully passing stool
Final Thoughts
Your overall health depends on the wellness of your GI system. Any gastric issue detected in a colonoscopy can make your daily life activities difficult and cause you pain and discomfort. Timely consultation from a physician and following their prescriptions can facilitate improvement in health and well-being.
At the Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center, we offer various diagnostic services for identifying gastric diseases. Call us at (281) 357-1977 to schedule your appointment and consult with the specialist today.