Conditions That A Colonoscopy Can Help To Diagnose
When a lot of people hear the term colonoscopy, they automatically think of a medical procedure that can help diagnose colon cancer. While it's certainly true that your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy if they believe that you could be at risk of this type of cancer, it's also true that a colonoscopy can be a valuable diagnostic tool for all sorts of other medical conditions. If you've exhibited symptoms that could be a sign of a specific condition, you can expect that your family doctor or a specialist you visit will send you for a colonoscopy. Here are some conditions that this procedure can help diagnose.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, which many people refer to as IBS, is a digestive system condition that affects a lot of people. Many people visit their doctor with complaints about the many symptoms that are present with this condition. The list can include both constipation and diarrhea, as well as bloating and abdominal pain. If you've encountered these and other symptoms and have brought them to your doctor's attention, they'll likely recommend that you have a colonoscopy to determine if you indeed have IBS.
Crohn's Disease
Many medical professionals also use colonoscopies to help diagnose Crohn's disease in their patients. This is another relatively common digestive disorder that can cause a lengthy list of symptoms, including diarrhea, fatigue, and discomfort in the abdomen. Many people with Crohn's also lose weight and have trouble putting it back on. There are all sorts of treatment methods to consider for Crohn's disease, but your doctor will first need to determine if you indeed have this condition. A colonoscopy can reveal if Crohn's is present.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is another condition of the digestive system that many medical professionals will diagnose with the help of a colonoscopy. The ulcers that develop in your colon as a result of this condition cause such symptoms as diarrhea, difficulty moving your bowels, and even bloody bowel movements at times. Like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis can also cause you to lose weight. Medical professionals can offer various treatment options for you once they've diagnosed this condition. A colonoscopy will provide details about the exact health of your colon, allowing your doctor to determine what treatment option is best for you. If you're experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, contact a doctor to learn more about getting a diagnosis with the help of a colonoscopy.
Visit a medical service like Gastro Health to learn more.