A Glimpse into the Journey: What to Expect During an Upper Endoscopy?
Feeling the nerves creeping in as you prepare for an upper endoscopy? You’re not alone. This guide will help familiarize you with the process, providing peace of mind to those planning to undergo Upper Endoscopy in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Let’s walk through the process together: from what to expect to preparation and, finally, recovery.
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Understanding the Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy, medically known as Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), involves inspecting the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. A doctor uses a flexible tube with a light source and a camera, which enables them to visualize these areas and identify any issues.
Pre-Examination Preparation
Effective preparation is key to having a smooth upper endoscopy. This usually involves fasting for a specific time period prior to the procedure. Additionally, patients might need to stop or alter the dose of certain medications. For more comprehensive advice on this, we recommend reading these effective tips to prepare for an upper endoscopy.
The Day of the Procedure
Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic is often applied to your throat to numb it, and a sedative is given to help you relax. The doctor will then gently insert the endoscope through your mouth and into the upper gastrointestinal tract. The entire process typically lasts no more than 15-30 minutes.
Post-Procedure Recovery
After the endoscopy, you’ll spend about thirty minutes to an hour in recovery to allow the sedative to wear off. The results of the upper endoscopy are often discussed with you soon afterward, or a follow-up appointment may be scheduled.
Wrapping It Up
An upper endoscopy is a safe and efficient procedure to evaluate symptoms and diagnose and treat certain gastroenterological conditions. Done under appropriate guidance, it can significantly improve the health and comfort of patients grappling with persistent or severe digestive issues. More information about what to expect before, during, and after an upper endoscopy can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will the procedure take?
The entire process, including recovery, usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
What should I do after the procedure?
You should rest and avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours after the procedure due to the sedative effects. Also, be sure to follow your physician’s recommendations regarding eating and drinking.
Gina Jordan is a health blog author who has been writing about healthy living since 2013. She started her journey by adopting a vegan diet and eating only organic foods, but the more she learned, the more she realized that we should all be eating plant-based diets exclusively. As an expert in nutrition and wellness, Gina blogs to educate readers on how they can live happier and healthier lives through food choices!
