On an ordinary weekend, Mr. Zhang, an ordinary retired engineer, enjoyed a leisurely afternoon tea at home. Suddenly, his mobile phone rang, and it was the eager voice of his old friend, Mr. Li, who told about his last medical check-up. "You know, I've been feeling like something is not right in my stomach for months, like something is blocked, and I always feel like going to the toilet is not so smooth," Mr. Li said. I thought it was just a small problem that is common among the elderly, but after a colonoscopy, the doctor told me that there were polyps in the intestines!" Mr. Zhang was shocked when he heard this, because he also had similar symptoms, but he never took it to heart, thinking that he just ate the wrong thing.
Mr. Li continued, "The doctor said that fortunately, the polyps were detected early and did not worsen. If it is delayed any longer, it may be a big trouble. He told me that many people ignore the early signs of gut health and regret it when the disease is severe. Mr. Zhang was deeply touched by this, and he realized that his body might be sending a distress signal as well, but he didn't pay attention.
This true story is not only a wake-up call for Mr. Zhang, but also a reminder for all of us. Gut health is something we often overlook, and the formation of intestinal polyps and their risk of developing into more serious diseases is something we can't ignore. Here, we'll take a closer look at the early warning signs of intestinal polyps, preventive measures, and actions to take if they are spotted, helping you build the right understanding of gut health so you can take effective steps to protect yourself from potential health threats.
Intestinal polyp basics
Intestinal polyps, although not cancerous, are a potential precursor, especially if they grow in the large intestine or rectum. Polyps can be formed for a variety of reasons, including genetics, diet, obesity, and smoking. Importantly, while most polyps are benign, some types of polyps, such as adenomas, have the potential to develop into bowel cancer.
Early warning signs: changes that can't be ignored
Bloody stools: May be the most obvious sign of intestinal polyps or other intestinal problems.
Changes in bowel habits: Sudden, frequent changes in constipation or diarrhea may indicate abnormal growths in the intestines.
Abdominal pain: Persistent discomfort or pain may be a sign of intestinal blockage caused by polyps.
It is crucial to identify these signals early and perform a medical examination to prevent possible deterioration.
Guarding in life: Prevention is better than cure
A nutritionally balanced diet: Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent polyp formation.
Exercise regularly: Increase your physical activity and reduce your risk of obesity, which can reduce the chance of polyps developing into cancer.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are both known risk factors for bowel cancer.
These lifestyle changes not only help prevent intestinal polyps, but are also key to promoting overall health.
When the Alarm Goes Off: Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic steps: Colonoscopy is the most straightforward way to diagnose intestinal polyps. With a colonoscopy, doctors can look inside the entire large intestine and perform a biopsy or removal if a polyp is found.
Treatment options: In most cases, polyps can be safely removed during a colonoscopy, a procedure called polypectomy. For polyps that are larger or at risk of malignant transformation, further treatment, including surgery to remove part of the bowel, may be needed.
By understanding intestinal polyps and taking proactive preventive measures, we can not only reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer, but also promote overall health. Regular colonoscopy is especially important for people over the age of 50, as the risk increases with age. By combining daily health habits with regular medical check-ups, we can effectively protect our gut health, prevent the formation of polyps, or detect and treat them in time.