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Should I take antibiotics before the colonoscopy test?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 52-year-old male with a height of 5.10 feet and a weight of 175 lbs. I have been diagnosed with diverticulitis by a doctor. My lower colon has been inflamed (sigmoid) for two and a half months with no relief. My doctor has not prescribed anything. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy tomorrow, but I am very inflamed and concerned that they could puncture the colon. Should I be receiving some antibiotics to reduce the swelling?

I wish you all the best.
Answered by Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf

Education:

FCPS Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf is a Medical Gastroenterologist with 12 years of clinical experience who completed his MBBS in 2011 from Khyber Medical University. He did his internship at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. He then joined Khyber Teaching Hospital for two years of FCPS training in Medicine, followed by three years of Gastroenterology training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. After Completing FCPS training, he started working as a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I reviewed your CT scan (computed tomography) report (reports removed to protect the patient's identity) and your history. There is no diverticulitis; only colonic diverticula has been seen. Your history is also not suggestive of diverticulitis, and 2nd diverticulitis does not last for months. Your stress has a role in aggravating your symptoms. You can safely undergo a colonoscopy, which will clear your diagnosis. There is no need for any antibiotics at the moment. You will need Ispaghula husk (laxative) later on, and it will improve your symptoms. Once the colonoscopy is done, kindly share the report with me.

I am always there to answer.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 1, 2022
Reviewed At October 31, 2025

Education:

FCPS Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf is a Medical Gastroenterologist with 12 years of clinical experience who completed his MBBS in 2011 from Khyber Medical University. He did his internship at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. He then joined Khyber Teaching Hospital for two years of FCPS training in Medicine, followed by three years of Gastroenterology training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. After Completing FCPS training, he started working as a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf
Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf

Medical Gastroenterology

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Education:

FCPS Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf is a Medical Gastroenterologist with 12 years of clinical experience who completed his MBBS in 2011 from Khyber Medical University. He did his internship at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. He then joined Khyber Teaching Hospital for two years of FCPS training in Medicine, followed by three years of Gastroenterology training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. After Completing FCPS training, he started working as a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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