An endoscopy can help to determine the cause of certain illnesses that include but aren’t limited to:
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Chronic vomiting or bleeding
- Abdominal pain
As an endoscopy examines the upper gastrointestinal tract, it will help to tell you whether:
- There’s a block in the esophagus
- An ulcer
- A tumor
- Or other illnesses
A miniscule tube that’s attached with a camera is used to examine the large intestine. This view is then translated on a monitor.Usually a strict no-eating order is given 10 hours prior to an endoscopy. This is because food in the tract will prohibit the view of the organ your gastroenterologist is trying to see.An Endoscopy’s Length of Time: 15-20 minutesEven though these procedures are less invasive than a colonoscopy, it can lead to various side effects like nausea. More serious endoscopy risks include puncturing the intestinal walls. But this is highly unlikely with an expert gastroenterologist.A pain medicine is given, so be sure to tell your doctor if you’re on any medicines, to deter possible drug interactions that are negative. Also, give yourself time to rest after the procedure, and best of luck!