What is an endoscopy test, and does it hurt?

Question

My doctor suggested that I get an endoscopy test to check my stomach because I’ve been having digestive issues for a while. I’m really nervous because I’ve never had one before, and I don’t know what to expect. Does an endoscopy test hurt, or is it just uncomfortable?

I read that an endoscopy test involves inserting a tube with a camera down the throat to look at the stomach and intestines. Do they give anesthesia, or will I be fully awake during the procedure? How long does the test take, and will I feel normal afterward?

I also want to know what an endoscopy test can actually detect. My symptoms include bloating, nausea, and acid reflux—can an endoscopy test find out what’s causing these issues? What if they find something abnormal? Will they do a biopsy right away, or would I need a separate test for that?

If anyone has had an endoscopy test before, what was your experience like? Did you have any side effects, and did it help diagnose your condition?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

An endoscopy is a fairly common procedure and generally not painful, though it can feel a bit uncomfortable. Here’s what to expect:

1. Anesthesia/Sedation: Most patients are sedated, so you’ll either be asleep or very relaxed and won’t feel much. Some places may use light sedation and numbing spray for the throat.

2. Duration: The procedure typically takes 10-20 minutes. You’ll need some time to recover from the sedation afterward, so plan for 1-2 hours total.

3. What It Detects: An endoscopy can identify causes of bloating, nausea, acid reflux, ulcers, inflammation (gastritis), hiatal hernias, or conditions like Barrett’s esophagus.

4. Biopsies: If the doctor sees anything abnormal, they can take a biopsy on the spot. It’s painless because there are no pain receptors inside the stomach lining.

5. After Effects: You may have a sore throat for a few hours and feel a bit groggy from sedation. Most people recover fully by the next day.

6. Experience: Many patients find the prep more stressful than the actual procedure, but sedation helps a lot. If anything abnormal is found, it’s often addressed promptly.

Overall, it’s a very safe and useful test for diagnosing digestive issues!

What is an endoscopy test, and does it hurt? - #14610

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