This article will help you understand colonoscopy and how to prepare for it

What Is a Colonoscopy Procedure?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the inside of the rectum and colon through the anus. It is performed to identify the causes of intestinal changes, for diagnosis, and for the early detection of colorectal cancer.

When Is a Colonoscopy Performed?

The importance of colonoscopy lies in the early detection of diseases that may have no apparent symptoms. It also allows for the identification of diseases in their early stages, specifically the early detection of colorectal cancer.

It is recommended to have a colonoscopy:

Every 10 years for healthy adults aged 45 and older.

Before the age of 45 if certain changes in the digestive system are noticed.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer include:

Being overweight or obese.

Lack of physical activity.

An unhealthy diet high in red and processed meats, such as bacon and sausages.

Smoking.

Alcohol consumption.

Advancing age, especially 50 years and older.

A family history of .

You can prevent it by:

Following a healthy diet rich in fiber vegetables.

Increasing physical activity.

Managing weight.

Quitting smoking. For more details, refer to the smoking cessation guide.

Avoiding alcohol consumption.

Additionally, a colonoscopy is performed to diagnose the causes of:

Intestinal changes: (chronic abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, constipation, diarrhea).

Unintentional weight loss.

The presence of chronic blood in the stool.

Iron deficiency anemia caused by blood loss from the digestive tract.

Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Monitoring previous conditions, such as colon polyps or colon cancer.

How To Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may be asked to stop these medications before the procedure.

Let your healthcare provider know about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements you are taking.

Inform the doctor of any health issues you have.

Your doctor may ask you to follow certain guidelines before the procedure. You may need to follow a liquid diet and take laxatives in the form of special solutions or pills for one to three days before the procedure to cleanse the intestines according to the doctor's instructions. This is because the presence of stool in the intestines may prevent the doctor from clearly seeing the lining of the colon.

Avoid red and purple beverages. The doctor's instructions will include details on when to start and stop the clear-liquid diet.