| [인터뷰] Director Seokman Son, a specialist in internal medicine
| If you have chronic symptoms, you need to have a colonoscopy every 3-5 years.
| Prevention is possible through a diet based on fresh vegetables, fruit and fish.
Many people are reluctant to have a colonoscopy because it is difficult to empty the bowel before undergoing the test. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome alone do not necessarily require a colonoscopy, but if the symptoms become chronic and occur repeatedly, you should undergo a colonoscopy keeping in mind the possibility of an underlying disease. Typically, it is recommended to do this once every five years, but if you have a family history, it is better to do it every three years. We asked internal medicine specialist Dr. Son Seok-man (Hayang Soksiwon Internal Medicine Clinic) about irritable bowel syndrome and the resulting colonoscopy.
Director Seokman Son | Source: Hayang Soksiwon Internal Medicine Clinic
Q. Is it necessary to have a colonoscopy if I have chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc., such as irritable bowel syndrome? If I have these symptoms, how often should I have a colonoscopy?
Irritable bowel syndrome alone does not necessarily require a colonoscopy, but if symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation recur, the possibility of other underlying diseases should be considered and a colonoscopy should be considered for diagnosis and the treatment. In particular, if you are accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, blood in the stool, nocturnal diarrhea, anemia or abdominal mass, a colonoscopy should be performed immediately. For example, early-stage Crohn’s disease is difficult to determine based on symptoms alone.
In general, a colonoscopy is recommended once every five years, but if multiple polyps or adenomas were found in a previous exam, or if there is a family history of colon disease, a colonoscopy is recommended every three years. However, regardless of the course of tests, colonoscopy should be considered immediately if you experience new symptoms such as weight loss, blood in the stool, nocturnal diarrhea, anemia, or abdominal mass.
Q. After the colonoscopy, can my bowel become sensitive and cause symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome?
Abdominal distension, heartburn, diarrhea, digestive problems, chills, fever, anal discomfort, and bleeding may occur after colonoscopy. Some people may think these symptoms are similar to irritable bowel syndrome, but most of them improve over time. Belching, chills, and fever are due to temporary bacteremia. Occasionally, swelling and tenderness in the parotid area may occur, but these disappear spontaneously after 5-6 hours.
The gas can cause abdominal discomfort and pain. In this case, don’t hold it and simply expel it. A small amount of blood or bluish water may leak during expulsion, and if you have hemorrhoids, discomfort in the anus may temporarily increase. In this case it may be useful to take a sitz bath in warm water. Symptoms may be similar to irritable bowel syndrome and this is a temporary abnormality that will improve over time. However, if the symptoms do not disappear over time, you need to go to the hospital and consult a specialist.
Q. Many people are reluctant to have a colonoscopy because of the medications they take to empty the colon before the colonoscopy. I must do it? Is there a way to replace an endoscope?
Methods that may be considered alternatives to colonoscopy include fecal tests, duplex angiography of the colon, blood tests, and CT scans. Fecal examination and dual angiography of the colon can replace colonoscopy, but it is important to note that the colon must be emptied to perform dual angiography. Additionally, these tests must be performed more frequently than colonoscopy, and their accuracy is not as good as colonoscopy, so if abnormalities are found, an additional colonoscopy may be necessary.
Taking medications or drinking water while preparing for your colonoscopy can be difficult and may cause vomiting or sleep deprivation. For those who experience this discomfort, same-day colonoscopy may be a good option. This method injects a bowel preparation into the duodenum during gastroscopy, minimizing vomiting reactions, large water intake and sleep disturbances. However, same-day colonoscopy is not generally recommended and should be understood as one of the possible options.
ColonoscopyㅣSource: Getty Image Bank
Q. Some people experience abdominal pain, urgent bowel movements, diarrhea, etc. due to tension when they are about to take an important exam or an interview. How should I respond?
From a psychological point of view, several treatment techniques can be used, including cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy and meditation. Removing psychological anxiety seems to be the most important thing. Additionally, it is important for the patient to avoid situations and foods that could cause severe irritation to the large intestine. Methods such as avoiding overeating, eating regularly, and maintaining a comfortable mindset may be helpful. Moderate physical activity and rest are also helpful. If you experience real symptoms, medications such as antidiarrheal or antispasmodic drugs may help.
Q. What should I do to prevent irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome can be caused by abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the internal organs. The autonomic nervous system is a nervous system that regulates blood circulation, hormone secretion, respiration, excretion and digestion depending on the situation. It plays a very important role in ensuring the normal functioning of the human body. The problem is that if there is a problem with the autonomic nervous system due to stress, overwork, eating habits, illness, etc., the abnormal overactivity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves can cause gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Therefore, management of psychological causes (stress, depression, anxiety, etc.), intake of dietary fiber for those who benefit from the intake of dietary fibre, intake of lactic ferments for those who benefit from lactic ferments, dietary management such as the Low Diet FODMAP. Taking care of your physical and mental health by regularly doing light stretching or exercise can help prevent this.
Q. In addition to irritable bowel syndrome, are there any treatment methods or eating habits that should be changed when various types of enteritis occur?
Enteritis is an inflammation of the intestine. Just as if your hand joints or joints are inflamed, the best way is to reduce the use of your fingers, the best way to treat enteritis is to give your intestines a break. If this is not possible, you can eat foods that make your intestines work less, if possible. For example, gently cooked foods and hot foods such as boiled water. Fatty foods, pasta, fruit, cold foods, coffee, alcohol, etc. they can irritate the intestines. It is also helpful to use painkillers or antibiotics that match your symptoms.
Q. In addition to the content of your question, please advise if there is anything readers need to know to prevent and treat colon-related diseases.
In the past, many cases of stomach cancer occurred in Korea due to eating foods that were mainly digested in the stomach, but nowadays eating habits have changed to foods that are mainly digested in the intestine, such as meat, flour, pasta, and rich foods. of caffeine, consumed especially in the West. Diseases such as colon cancer are on the rise. Maintaining a correct lifestyle and eating habits on a daily basis can be of great help in the management of chronic diseases and intestinal health.
Excessive meat consumption can also have negative effects on the intestines. Since toxins are created during the digestion of meat, it is recommended to consume fresh meat and meat in moderation. Fish, fresh vegetables and fruits help prevent infectious enteritis. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids and various nutrients, while fruits and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants. Drinking enough water also helps remove toxins from the body.
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