🩺 Endoscopy (EGD)

Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is an upper endoscopy?

🔍 An upper endoscopy is a test that lets the doctor look inside your throat, food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and first part of the small intestine.

The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera.

❓ Why do doctors do an upper endoscopy?

🩺 An endoscopy helps doctors find the cause of:

• 🥴 Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

• 🔥 Heartburn and reflux (GERD)

• 🎯 A mass or growth

• 🩸 Bleeding

• 🌾 Celiac disease

❓ How does endoscopy help with trouble swallowing (dysphagia)?

🥪 If food feels stuck, endoscopy can:

• Find narrow areas or swelling

• Look for scars or strictures

• Stretch narrow areas if needed

❓ How does endoscopy help with GERD?

🔥 GERD can cause stomach acid to hurt the esophagus.

Endoscopy helps doctors:

• See irritation or sores

• Check for damage from acid

• Look for conditions like Barrett’s esophagus

❓ What does endoscopy do for a mass or growth?

🎯 Endoscopy can:

• Find lumps or bumps

• Take a small tissue sample (biopsy)

• Help decide the next steps for care

❓ Why is endoscopy used for bleeding?

🩸 Bleeding can cause:

• Black stools

• Vomiting blood

• Low iron and tiredness

Endoscopy helps doctors:

• Find where bleeding is coming from

• Stop bleeding during the test

❓ How does endoscopy help diagnose Celiac disease?

🌾 Celiac disease is a reaction to gluten.

Endoscopy helps by:

• Looking for damage in the small intestine

• Taking biopsies to confirm the diagnosis

❓ How do I prepare for an endoscopy?

📋 To get ready:

• 🚫 Do not eat or drink for several hours

• 💊 Follow medicine instructions from your doctor

An empty stomach helps the doctor see clearly.

❓ Will the test hurt?

😴 No. You will get medicine to help you relax or sleep.

Most people:

• Feel no pain

• Remember very little

❓ What happens during the test?

⏱️ The test usually takes 15–30 minutes.

• You lie on your side

• The camera is gently guided down

• The doctor may take biopsies

• Treatments can be done if needed

❓ What happens after the test?

🛌 You rest until the medicine wears off.

You may have:

• A mild sore throat

• Bloating or gas

You will need someone to drive you home.

❓ Are there any risks?

⚠️ Endoscopy is very safe.

Rare risks include:

• Bleeding

• Tear in the digestive tract

• Reaction to medicine

Your doctor will explain these before the test.

❓ When should I call my doctor?

📞 Call if you have:

• Severe chest or belly pain

• Heavy bleeding

• Fever

• Trouble swallowing after the test

✅ Key Points to Remember

✔ Endoscopy helps find problems early
✔ Biopsies are quick and painless
✔ Many problems can be treated right away
✔ The test is safe and common