Determine the Cause of Disorders in The Upper GI Tract With an Upper Endoscopy
If you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, abdominal or chest pain, or difficulty swallowing, you may have an issue in your upper gastrointestinal tract. Factors related to diet, family medical history, environment, and infection make the upper GI tract the site of various intestinal and digestive disorders. An upper endoscopy procedure can help in diagnosing and treating these disorders.
At Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates, our team of gastroenterology specialists can help patients find the cause of digestive issues. With an upper endoscopy procedure, we can find the cause of the symptoms patients are experiencing and provide them with the necessary treatment so that they can enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free life.
Reasons to Consider Scheduling an Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy can identity causes of issues in the upper gastrointestinal tract
The procedure is fast and you’ll be comfortable throughout its duration
An upper GI endoscopy can help find inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, or diagnose ulcers and tumors
In some cases, your gastroenterology specialist can correct issues during the procedure
Our gastroenterology specialists make sure your comfort is maintained
Upper Endoscopy Overview
An upper endoscopy is a gastrointestinal procedure that the doctors at Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates use to get a clear view of your upper GI tract, including your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of your small intestine. This procedure is utilized by doctors to diagnose causes of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients, such as abdominal pain, heartburn and acid reflux, trouble swallowing, nausea and/or vomiting, bleeding, and other abnormalities of the upper GI tract.
What To Expect
During an upper GI endoscopy procedure, our staff and gastroenterology specialists will ensure that everything will be done to help you feel as comfortable as possible. We often anesthetize the throat with a spray or liquid. Patients can be given sedation to help relax and deter the gag reflex. Some patients, however, are able to relax on their own and control gagging and do not require sedation. Once the procedure begins, your doctor will gently insert a thin, flexible endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus, then through the stomach and into the duodenum — the first part of the small intestine. This is a painless procedure that will not interfere with your breathing — sedated patients seldom remember much about it. An upper endoscopy typically takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, after which the patient is taken to the recovery area for a brief period.
How To Prep For an Upper Endoscopy
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions to follow leading up to your EGD procedure. Generally, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for six to eight hours prior to the procedure and examination, with an exception to clear liquids until five hours before. It is important that you tell your doctor about any medications that you are currently on. You may be asked to refrain from taking aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate products, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories multiple days before the procedure.