Do not put off having a CT scan if your doctor wants this done just because you fear getting diarrhea.
The diarrhea after a CT scan happens to many people, a well-documented side effect of the contrast dye.
The Contrast Dye
This is required so that certain structures can be more easily viewed or visualized.
This agent really makes a big difference when compared to non-contrast CT scans.
It works by altering the way X-rays pass through the body, and this allows for clearer and more detailed images for doctors to see.
“For CT, the type of contrast most often given is IV contrast (intravenous),” says Resham Mendi, MD, a renowned expert in the field of medical imaging, and the medical director of Bright Light Medical Imaging.
Common types of contrast agents include iodine based solutions, which are frequently used for their ability to absorb X-rays and improve the contrast of the images.
“Diarrhea would not be a common side effect of IV contrast for CT,” says Dr. Mendi. But it does happen to some people.
“For some CT, oral contrast is given. Mild diarrhea can be a result of the oral contrast, but should resolve relatively quickly.”
Diarrhea is never fun, but looking at the bigger picture, you should think, “Gee, what’s the big deal with some diarrhea when I have something else going on with my body that warrants a CT scan to figure it out?”
If you’ll be having a CT with dye done, you will be given instructions regarding the latest you can eat prior to the procedure, which is typically that you don’t eat anything three hours prior to the scan.
After the scan you can resume eating and drinking as normal.
But if you’re having diarrhea, you’ll want to back off on high fiber foods.
Fiber can increase the bulk and frequency of stools, which might worsen diarrhea.
Instead, focus on low-fiber foods like bananas, white rice and toast, which are gentler on your digestive system and can help firm up your stools.
You should notify your doctor or nurse if the diarrhea persists.
Rather than diarrhea, some people will get constipation following a CT scan — due to the dye.
Drinking plenty of fluids, eating high-fiber foods and staying active can help alleviate constipation.
Discuss these possible outcomes with your medical team if they are worrisome for you.
But really, they should not be concerning other than for the annoyance and inconvenience.
Diarrhea or constipation following an abdominal CT scan are not indicative of the efficacy of the procedure.
Plus, these are transient side effects and should subside with home treatment.
Dr. Mendi has published several articles in radiology journals and has expertise in MRI, women’s imaging, musculoskeletal, neurological and body imaging.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She is also a former ACE certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/best_nj
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gastroenterology/computed_tomography_ct_or_cat diarrhea
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