Getting ready for a colonoscopy isn’t anybody’s favourite activity, however it’s necessary to empty your colon sufficiently so your physician can see what’s inside very clearly.
There are two fundamental varieties of colonoscopy prep options: iso-osmotic preps and hyperosmotic options.
Your physician will consider your stage of well being, medical circumstances, and any drugs you’re taking when deciding which kind of prep resolution to prescribe. They will additionally stroll you thru the method and advise you on potential uncomfortable side effects.
1. Dehydration
Dehydration might be the commonest facet impact of colonoscopy prep, as a result of a lot fluid is misplaced through the bowel cleanse. That is why medical doctors advise consuming as a lot liquid as you’ll be able to throughout and after the prep, be it within the type of water, a transparent sports activities drink, white grape juice, bouillon, or different clear liquids.
“The extra fluids sufferers drink, the extra that can counteract the dehydration,” says John Ashcraft, DO, chief of colon and rectal surgical procedure on the College of Kansas Medical Middle in Kansas Metropolis. “In the event that they get dehydrated an excessive amount of, we begin seeing kidney issues.”
Indicators of dehydration embrace:
- Extreme thirst
- Darkish urine
- Rare urination
- Dizziness
2. Nausea
Nausea and vomiting are different potential uncomfortable side effects of colonoscopy prep, particularly with the iso-osmotic preps equivalent to GoLYTELY. Hyperosmotic preps containing sodium phosphate may trigger nausea.
“Plenty of sufferers have issues with nausea,” Dr. Ashcraft says. “Once I prescribe the prep, a part of the package deal is a prescription for antinausea remedy.”
Should you do find yourself vomiting, take a breather. Then attempt to end the remainder of the prep resolution. Whenever you present up on your colonoscopy appointment, let the physician know that you simply had challenges and weren’t in a position to preserve down the entire resolution.
3. Belly Ache
4. Chills
5. Kidney Issues
“We additionally encourage these sufferers to observe their fluid standing, and we’re in fixed contact with their renal specialist,” Ashcraft says.
6. Allergic Reactions
Folks with coronary heart failure or liver or kidney harm are already very delicate to their fluid steadiness, says Dr. Ivanina. They need to keep away from hyperosmotic colonoscopy preps, which may irritate these circumstances.
Additionally, hyperosmotic preps that comprise any form of phosphate have been linked with seizures in uncommon circumstances. So, individuals with electrolyte problems, kidney illness, dehydration, or coronary heart failure ought to keep away from them for that motive as effectively, she says.
No matter what sort of prep your physician prescribes, they need to provide you with a warning to the potential uncomfortable side effects. Should you’re involved concerning the seriousness of any prep uncomfortable side effects that you simply discover, name your physician instantly — or go to the emergency room.
Colonoscopy preps are sometimes disagreeable, however they should not hurt your well being. Just remember to and your physician have a dialog about your entire current medical circumstances and drugs earlier than you begin the colonoscopy course of.
The Takeaway
- Getting ready for a colonoscopy includes taking a powerful laxative the night time earlier than to clear the bowels earlier than the process.
- There are a number of several types of bowel prep formulations, a few of that are extra appropriate for individuals with sure well being circumstances.
- Uncomfortable side effects of bowel prep can embrace nausea, dehydration, and abdomen cramps. Extra extreme uncomfortable side effects are potential however uncommon.
- Speak together with your physician when you have any considerations earlier than you begin bowel prep.
