Persistent Diarrhea After Painless Endoscopy: Causes and Solutions

After undergoing a painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy, I have been experiencing diarrhea for over a month?

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Date: November 20, 2015 Results: Gastroscopy: Gastritis Colonoscopy: Hemorrhoids Before the painless procedure, I had normal bowel movements every morning.
Since the procedure on the mentioned date until today, January 2, 2016, I have been experiencing diarrhea.
During this period, I consulted two gastroenterologists who only prescribed antidiarrheal medication and probiotics, but there has been no improvement.
The most recent doctor suggested that it might be coincidental with a viral infection resembling a cold.
A few days before the procedure, I seemed to have a cough associated with a cold.
Is there any correlation? Please help me with this, thank you.

Guo Xiansheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/03

Dr. Yang Zhichao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Dear Mr.
Kuo, a colonoscopy and gastroscopy do not cause diarrhea; however, it is possible that you had a gastrointestinal viral infection prior to the examination.
I would recommend checking your stool first, and if there are no issues, then we can manage it with medication.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2016/01/03

More Info

After undergoing a painless endoscopy, experiencing persistent diarrhea can be concerning and may arise from various causes. In your case, it seems that the diarrhea began shortly after the procedure, which could be related to several factors.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that endoscopic procedures, including painless colonoscopies, can sometimes lead to temporary changes in bowel habits. This is often due to the preparation for the procedure, which typically involves a clear liquid diet and laxatives to cleanse the bowel. Even after the procedure, the bowel may take some time to return to its normal function, leading to transient diarrhea.

Additionally, during the endoscopy, air is often introduced into the colon to provide a clearer view, which can cause discomfort and may lead to changes in bowel movements post-procedure. While this is usually temporary, some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms.

Another potential cause of your persistent diarrhea could be related to the medications prescribed post-procedure. For instance, if you were given antibiotics or other medications, these could disrupt the normal gut flora, leading to diarrhea. Probiotics are often recommended to help restore this balance, but they may take some time to show effects.

Moreover, your mention of having a cough or cold prior to the procedure raises the possibility of a viral infection. Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as a stomach virus, can cause diarrhea and may coincide with other respiratory symptoms. If you were indeed experiencing a viral infection, it could explain the onset of diarrhea, especially if it occurred shortly after your endoscopy.

Given that you have consulted two gastroenterologists and have been prescribed antidiarrheal medications and probiotics without improvement, it may be beneficial to consider a few additional steps:
1. Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a bland diet that is easy on the digestive system. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) can help firm up stools. Avoid dairy, high-fat, and high-fiber foods until your symptoms improve.

2. Hydration: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions can be beneficial to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

3. Further Evaluation: If diarrhea persists beyond a couple of weeks, it may be necessary to undergo further testing. This could include stool tests to check for infections, parasites, or other gastrointestinal issues.
4. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since your symptoms have not improved with initial treatments, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may consider additional diagnostic tests or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

In conclusion, while it is not uncommon to experience changes in bowel habits following a painless endoscopy, persistent diarrhea warrants further investigation. It is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and any changes you notice. They can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort.

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