Does Colonoscopy Prep Cause Heartburn? What to Expect

Heartburn and Colonoscopy: What to Expect

A colonoscopy is a routine screening procedure used to examine the colon and rectum. It involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end (called a colonoscope) into the rectum so the doctor can view the entire lining of the colon. This allows them to look for any abnormalities or signs of disease.

Colonoscopies are typically recommended starting at age 45-50 for average-risk individuals. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier. The procedure only takes about 20-30 minutes, but the preparation the day before can often be the hardest part.

Bowel Prep Causes Discomfort

To get a clear view of the colon lining, the colon must be completely empty and clean. This requires following a strict bowel prep to flush out all solid matter. The bowel prep involves restricting your diet and drinking a specialized solution to induce diarrhea and clear you out.

Most people find the bowel prep process uncomfortable. Having to use the bathroom frequently, abdominal bloating, nausea, and cramping are common side effects. The large volume of liquid you have to drink also often leaves people feeling dehydrated. Headache and fatigue are other common complaints.

Can the Bowel Prep Cause Heartburn?

Heartburn is not an expected side effect of the colonoscopy prep process. However, some people do report experiencing heartburn or indigestion during the preparation period. There are a few reasons why this may occur:

• Drinking a large amount of fluid can cause the stomach to become bloated and distended, putting pressure on the esophageal sphincter. This allows acidic stomach contents to leak up into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn.
• Some of the prep solutions have a very salty composition, which can aggravate heartburn in those prone to reflux.
• Hunger during the fasting/liquid diet period can also increase stomach acid production, making reflux more likely.
• Bowel prep medications containing magnesium salts may worsen reflux in some people.
• Laxatives irritate the gastrointestinal tract, which could make the lining more sensitive.
• Dehydration from the prep process can reduce saliva, which normally helps buffer acid.

Tips to Prevent Heartburn During Prep

While occasional heartburn from the colonoscopy preparation is normal, there are some things you can do to minimize discomfort:

• Follow all instructions for your specific bowel prep. Drink the solution slowly over the recommended time period, rather than chugging large amounts.
• Stay well hydrated by sipping clear broths, electrolyte drinks, or water between doses.
• Avoid lying down after drinking the solution - stay upright as much as possible.
• Suck on antacids, lozenges, or chew gum to generate more saliva.
• Ask your doctor if antacids are OK to take if reflux becomes bothersome.
• Eat low-fiber foods like eggs, white bread, chicken, yogurt and cheese leading up to the prep, as fiber can make symptoms worse.
• Try to relax as best you can during the process.

What to Expect During and After Your Colonoscopy

Understanding how a colonoscopy is performed and what you'll experience during and after the procedure can help ease anxiety leading up to it.

The Colonoscopy Procedure

Colonoscopies are typically performed at a hospital or outpatient clinic. When you arrive, a nurse will go over your medical history and have you change into a hospital gown. An IV will be placed in your arm to administer sedation.

Once in the procedure room, you'll lie on your side on an exam table. The doctor will insert a lubricated, flexible colonoscope tube into your rectum and slowly guide it through the full length of your colon. The colonoscope has a tiny video camera that projects images onto a monitor so the doctor can carefully inspect the lining for any polyps, lesions, inflammation or bleeding.

If any polyps are found, the doctor can remove them right away using a wire loop or biopsy forceps passed through a channel in the colonoscope. This prevents polyps from becoming cancerous. Small biopsies can also be taken of abnormal looking tissue and sent for further testing.

You may feel mild cramping when the scope is inserted or inflated with air, but the sedative helps relax the colon and minimize discomfort. Taking slow, deep breaths can also help relax the muscles. The procedure itself usually takes under 30 minutes.

Recovery and Going Home

After the colonoscopy, you'll be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. It's normal to feel bloated and have gas pains. Walking around can help expel the air trapped in your colon. Your doctor will discuss preliminary findings before you're discharged.

You'll need someone to drive you home since the sedation can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination. Effects typically wear off after about 12 hours. Rest at home and avoid operating vehicles, heavy machinery or making important decisions for the rest of the day.

Expect to resume your normal diet and bowel movements a day after the procedure. Seek medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fever, weakness or dizziness.

After-Effects and Potential Complications

It’s common to feel exhausted and have mild cramping or bloating for a day or two after the colonoscopy. Drink plenty of fluids and stick with bland, easy-to-digest foods until your system gets back to normal.

Serious complications are very rare, occurring in less than 5% of colonoscopies. Potential side effects can include:

• Bleeding - a small amount of rectal bleeding can occur if a biopsy was taken or polyp removed. Alert your doctor if bleeding is persistent or heavy.
• Infection - bacteria can be introduced if cleaning protocols weren't strictly followed. Signs of infection are fever, chills, body aches.
• Perforation - the colon wall can be inadvertently torn by the colonoscope, which may require hospitalization and surgery if serious.
• Medication reaction - some people may have respiratory or cardiac issues from the sedatives used.

Talk to your doctor if side effects seem severe or don't go away within a few days. Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, alcohol use, and driving until fully recovered.

Does Colonoscopy Prep Cause Heartburn?

In summary, while occasional heartburn is not uncommon during the colonoscopy prep process, it is not a universal side effect. The large amounts of fluid, laxatives, fasting, and disturbed sleep patterns can create an environment favoring reflux in those predisposed to it.

Staying hydrated, limiting high-fiber foods in the days prior, avoiding laying down after drinking the solution, and using antacids as needed can help mitigate heartburn symptoms. Be sure to follow all instructions provided by your doctor to allow for the most effective colon cleansing.

While uncomfortable, the bowel preparation is a small price to pay for potentially catching colon cancer in its earliest stages. Colonoscopies have been proven to significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality when screening guidelines are followed. Any mild heartburn experienced is well worth this life-saving procedure.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.