Diarrhoea after a colonoscopy
If the intestinal cleansing before the colonoscopy was not successful enough and there are still stool residues in the intestine, the examination requirements are limited. In order to get a better picture of the bowel, the examiner can introduce liquid into the bowel through a nozzle integrated in the tube. Hidden areas can thus be exposed and the colonoscopy can be performed in a targeted manner.
It can happen that the liquid cannot be completely absorbed after the procedure and then shows up as diarrhoea after the examination. Colon cleansing also plays another role. By flushing the intestine, the intestinal flora (intestinal bacteria) is disturbed.
These bacteria must first rebuild after intensive laxation. A disturbed digestion can briefly be the result of an intestinal flora that is not intact. Also, the remedies taken to cleanse the intestines could still cause diarrhoea after the treatment.
If the diarrhoea lasts longer, there is probably no connection with colonoscopy, but a doctor should be informed. A further diagnosis is then possible. or medication against diarrhoea
Treatment
If symptoms occur after the colonoscopy, an attempt should first be made to clarify the causes. In the case of abdominal pain, these can simply be flatulence. By inserting the tube and actively inhaling liquid, the intestine may be filled with air.
Air accumulation in the intestine (flatulence) is not dangerous, but can be extremely painful. It is recommended that warmth be given from the inside and outside. For example, tea can be supplied from the inside and a heat pad can be used on the outside.
The heat relaxes the muscles of the intestinal wall and the cramp-like pain subsides. Sooner or later the air will escape by itself. If the abdominal pain is extremely severe, a perforation of the intestinal wall, a breakthrough, may have occurred.
This is a rare complication in minimal surgical procedures, such as the removal of intestinal wall polyps. In many cases, the perforation results in blood poisoning (sepsis) in addition to great pain, as the intestinal bacteria enter the abdomen and vessels via the injury. Sepsis must be treated immediately with an antibiotic, because otherwise a dangerous state of shock can develop.
In addition, the perforation must be closed again as quickly as possible. An emergency operation is therefore usually necessary. These articles may also be of interest to you: Home remedies for abdominal pain – what are the most effective? or medicines for abdominal pain
Pain on the left side
If the abdominal pain occurs after a colonoscopy isolated on the left side of the abdomen, the cause is probably one of the left-sided parts of the colon. These are the left colonic flexure (left bend of the colon), the descending colon, the sigmoid colon and the rectum. Since the intestine does not run straight, but in loops and curves, irritation or, in the worst case, injury to the intestinal mucosa can occur when going around these corners. If this happens in the sections of the colon just mentioned, the pain will most likely only occur on the left side of the abdomen.
