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9 Key Symptoms That Suggest You Need a Colonoscopy, According to Dr. Moka Praneeth
Trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad Dr. Moka Praneeth emphasizes that the human digestive system is one of the most vital and intricate networks in the body. Responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste, it plays a fundamental role in maintaining overall health. When this system functions smoothly, we rarely think about it. But when something goes wrong—especially in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract—the symptoms can be subtle, misleading, or easily dismissed as routine digestive discomfort.
Early warning signs are often ignored until the condition becomes severe or chronic.
That’s why understanding your body’s digestive signals is crucial to preventing long-term complications.
A timely colonoscopy, guided by a specialist like Dr. Moka Praneeth, can help detect hidden issues before they escalate.
This is where timely diagnostic tools become crucial, and among them, colonoscopy stands out as a life-saving procedure.
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive medical test that enables a detailed examination of the inner lining of your large intestine—specifically the colon and rectum. This is done using a thin, flexible tube fitted with a small camera, which allows the gastroenterologist to identify abnormalities such as colon cancer, precancerous polyps, internal bleeding, inflammation, ulcers, or signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
It is widely recognized as the gold standard for colorectal screening and early detection of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colorectal cancer—one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
But the big question remains: When should you get a colonoscopy?
According to Dr. Moka Praneeth, a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, there are specific warning signs that should not be overlooked. While routine colonoscopy screening is recommended for adults over 45, certain symptoms can indicate the need for an urgent evaluation, regardless of age.
In this blog, Dr. Moka Praneeth, widely regarded as a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, outlines the 9 key symptoms that strongly suggest the need for a colonoscopy—not at your convenience, but as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing digestive discomfort or unexplained symptoms, recognizing these red flags and consulting with a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad could be the difference between early detection and delayed diagnosis.
Let’s take a closer look at these symptoms and understand why a colonoscopy may be your most important health decision yet.
1. Rectal Bleeding or Blood in the Stool
One of the most alarming and common reasons people consult a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad is rectal bleeding. It may appear as bright red blood on toilet paper, in the bowl, or streaked through stool. While hemorrhoids are a frequent cause, rectal bleeding can also signal:
- Colorectal cancer
- Polyps
- Diverticulosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Dr. Moka Praneeth stresses that any presence of blood should not be dismissed. “Even occasional spotting can be the earliest sign of a serious colon condition,” says the trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. A colonoscopy helps identify the source of bleeding and allows for immediate intervention.
2. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
Everyone experiences changes in bowel movement patterns at some point—due to diet, stress, or temporary infections. However, if these changes last more than a few weeks, it’s time to investigate.
Watch out for:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Unexplained constipation
- Alternating patterns (diarrhea then constipation)
- Pencil-thin stools
These could be symptoms of colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other colon diseases. According to Dr. Moka Praneeth, “A change in your digestive rhythm is your body’s way of signaling that something’s off. A colonoscopy offers a clear view of what’s going on inside.”
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or increasing physical activity is never normal—especially when it’s rapid or continuous. This type of unintended weight loss is a red flag for multiple gastrointestinal and systemic conditions, including:
- Colon cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Metabolic disorders
The best gastro doctor will always look deeper into unexplained weight loss. Dr. Moka Praneeth, known as a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, notes that patients with subtle GI issues often don’t realize the extent of the problem until a colonoscopy is done.
4. Persistent Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Occasional stomach aches are part of life. But chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, particularly in the lower abdomen, may warrant further attention. The pain might be:
- Sharp or dull
- Accompanied by bloating
- Triggered after eating
- Related to bowel movements
Persistent discomfort can be linked to diverticulitis, polyps, ulcerative colitis, or colorectal tumors. Dr. Moka Praneeth emphasizes, “If your abdominal pain doesn’t go away or worsens, a colonoscopy can help find the root cause and rule out serious diseases.”
5. Excessive Gas or Bloating
Gas and bloating are common, but if they become constant or painful, they might point to:
- Obstruction in the colon
- Food intolerance (e.g., lactose or gluten)
- Early-stage colon cancer
If over-the-counter remedies don’t help, a colonoscopy may be needed to explore deeper causes. Dr. Moka Praneeth, a Liver Specialist In Hyderabad, often sees bloating as an overlooked symptom that turns out to be a marker for a more significant GI problem. A thorough evaluation, including a colonoscopy, ensures nothing dangerous is left undetected.
6. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Low iron levels can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If no obvious cause (like diet or menstruation) is found, your doctor may suspect chronic blood loss from the GI tract. A colonoscopy can reveal:
- Small bleeding polyps
- Colonic ulcers
- Early cancer
According to the best gastro doctor, internal bleeding from the colon is often “silent” until anemia sets in. Dr. Moka Praneeth points out that many of his patients had no bleeding symptoms but were diagnosed with colon conditions during evaluation for low hemoglobin.
7. A Family History of Colorectal Cancer or Polyps
If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer or polyps, your risk of developing similar issues is higher. In such cases, screening should begin earlier—around age 40 or even younger, depending on when your relative was diagnosed.
Dr. Moka Praneeth, a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, urges those with family history to be proactive: “Don’t wait for symptoms. Inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can remain hidden until it’s too late.”
A colonoscopy is the only tool that allows for both detection and removal of precancerous polyps in one session.
8. History of Polyps or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
If you’ve had colon polyps removed in the past, regular follow-up colonoscopies are crucial. Similarly, patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Ongoing inflammation damages the colon lining over time.
“Surveillance is critical in these patients,” says Dr. Moka Praneeth, a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. He follows globally recommended screening intervals for high-risk patients to prevent progression to malignancy.
9. Age Over 45 – Even Without Symptoms
Current medical guidelines recommend routine colonoscopy starting at age 45, even for individuals without symptoms. Why?
- Colon cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults.
- Many early cancers and polyps cause no symptoms.
- Early detection equals better outcomes and simpler treatments.
As a Liver Specialist In Hyderabad and senior gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Moka Praneeth advocates for preventive screening. “Waiting for symptoms means waiting too long,” he says. “A routine colonoscopy could literally save your life.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Yet what makes this fact especially tragic is that colorectal cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer— if it is detected early. The key to this early detection lies in a powerful tool that goes beyond diagnosis—the colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is not just a routine test; it is a lifesaving medical intervention that enables your doctor to visualize the entire length of your large intestine. It helps in identifying and removing precancerous growths, known as polyps, long before they have a chance to turn into cancer. These polyps often cause no symptoms, which is why early screening is so vital.
According to Dr. Moka Praneeth, a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, colonoscopy serves as a powerful defense against gastrointestinal diseases by enabling the detection of:
- Polyps – small tissue growths that can become cancerous over time if left untreated.
- Chronic inflammation – a marker of conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Internal bleeding – which might be hidden or visible, and could indicate ulcers, cancer, or vascular lesions.
- Structural abnormalities – such as diverticula, strictures, or hernias that can cause pain or obstruction.
While many people delay seeking medical attention, by the time symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss appear, the disease may already be in an advanced stage. That’s why proactive screening under the guidance of a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad is essential—not just for high-risk individuals, but for anyone over the age of 45, or earlier if there’s a family history or concerning symptoms.
Remember, a colonoscopy doesn’t just find problems—it can prevent them altogether. Early detection saves lives, and no one emphasizes this more than Dr. Moka Praneeth, one of the leading voices in digestive health and a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad.
Meet Dr. Moka Praneeth: Trusted Expert in Digestive Health
With years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, Dr. Moka Praneeth has earned a reputation as one of the best gastro doctors in Hyderabad. Renowned for his patient-centered approach, he combines clinical excellence with the latest in diagnostic technology to deliver precise, personalized care. His calm demeanor, clear communication, and dedication to long-term outcomes have helped thousands of patients regain their digestive health and quality of life.
As a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Moka Praneeth offers comprehensive services that cover the full range of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. His areas of clinical focus include:
- Colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy for early detection and diagnosis
- Liver disease management, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis
- Pancreatic and biliary disorders, such as pancreatitis and bile duct stones
- Treatment of IBD and IBS, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Gastrointestinal cancer screening and prevention, especially colorectal cancer
Whether you’re suffering from chronic digestive symptoms or simply reaching the recommended age for routine screening, consulting a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad can make all the difference in early detection and long-term health.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs discussed above—or even if you’re just due for a preventive check-up—Dr. Moka Praneeth, a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, is here to guide you with expert care from diagnosis through to complete recovery.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is something many people do—brushing them off as stress, irregular eating habits, or something they ate. But what may seem minor at first—like occasional bloating, unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort, or rectal bleeding—could in fact be your body’s early warning signs of a more serious condition within your colon.
The danger lies in delay. Colorectal diseases, especially colorectal cancer, often start silently, progressing without obvious symptoms until it’s too late. Fortunately, modern medicine offers highly effective tools like colonoscopy, which allow for early detection and timely treatment before problems escalate. A simple screening could mean the difference between a manageable condition and a life-threatening one.
That’s why it’s essential to listen to your body and trust your gut—quite literally.
Don’t ignore persistent GI symptoms or put off routine screening because of fear or inconvenience. Instead, turn to a trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad who understands the nuances of digestive health and is equipped to offer clarity and comfort during uncertain times.
Dr. Moka Praneeth, a leading and trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, has dedicated his career to helping patients uncover hidden conditions early and treat them effectively. With his compassionate care and evidence-based approach, you can take confident, proactive steps toward better digestive health and peace of mind.
Remember, when it comes to your health, especially your colon, waiting is not an option—but early screening is.
Book Your Colonoscopy Today
Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. Schedule a colonoscopy with Dr. Moka Praneeth, the best gastro doctor and trusted gastroenterologist in Hyderabad.
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