Day of gastroscopy — Patient information · Ruqelo Health
Surgery·Surgery
Day of gastroscopy
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Educational summary — not medical advice. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Gastroscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your stomach and the first part of your small intestine. It is also called an upper endoscopy. The tube is passed through your mouth while you are sedated (given medicine to relax you).
Key facts
Gastroscopy usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
You will be given a sedative to help you relax and often a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat.
Most people are awake but drowsy during the procedure.
You need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.
Gastroscopy is a very common procedure performed in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Questions about this article
Anyone can need a gastroscopy, but it is often done in people with ongoing stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, or unexplained bleeding.
Symptoms
Call emergency services immediately if you notice:
Severe chest pain or shortness of breath after the procedure.
Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools after gastroscopy.
Signs of an allergic reaction to the sedation, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips.
See a doctor urgently (same day) if you notice:
⚠High fever or chills within 24 hours after the procedure.
⚠Unusual or severe pain in the abdomen that does not go away.
⚠Any uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth or throat.
Common symptoms
A mild sore throat for a day or two after the procedure.
Feeling bloated or gassy (air is used to expand the stomach for better viewing).
Drowsiness from the sedative that may last a few hours.
Symptoms in children
Children may feel frightened or anxious before the procedure.
They might have a sore throat or be sleepy afterwards.
Some children experience mild nausea after the procedure.
Symptoms in older adults
Older adults may feel more drowsy for longer after the sedative.
They might need extra help with walking or balance for the rest of the day.
Sore throat or bloating are still common but usually mild.
Causes
Main causes
You may have a gastroscopy to find the cause of persistent heartburn or acid reflux.
It can be used to investigate stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting that won't go away.
It helps diagnose conditions like ulcers, inflammation, or celiac disease.
A gastroscopy can also be done to take small tissue samples (biopsies) for testing.
Risk factors
Having ongoing digestive symptoms that have not been explained by other tests.
Being over 50 with new or changing symptoms.
Having a family history of stomach cancer or other stomach conditions.
Taking medications that can irritate the stomach, like aspirin or ibuprofen.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
If you vomit blood or have black stools after gastroscopy.
If you have severe pain that does not improve with rest.
If you have difficulty breathing or signs of allergy.
Book a routine appointment if:
If you have a sore throat that lasts longer than 2–3 days after the procedure.
If you have any concerns about recovery or unusual symptoms.
If you have questions about the results of your gastroscopy.
Most people feel fine after gastroscopy. The procedure is very safe, and serious complications are rare. It is normal to feel tired or have a mild sore throat for a day. Follow the aftercare instructions given by your doctor.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will review your symptoms and may recommend a gastroscopy. During the procedure, the doctor looks at the lining of your oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. They can see any inflammation, ulcers, or abnormal growths.
Tests that may be done
Gastroscopy itself is the main diagnostic test.
Sometimes biopsies (tiny tissue samples) are taken and sent to a lab for analysis.
You may have blood tests or ultrasound scans before the gastroscopy to rule out other conditions.
What to expect at your appointment
On the day of the gastroscopy, you will meet a nurse and a doctor. You will be asked to sign a consent form. You will lie on your side and a thin tube will be passed gently through your mouth. You may be given oxygen through a small tube in your nose. The procedure usually lasts 15–30 minutes. Afterward, you will be monitored until the sedative wears off. You cannot drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after sedation.
Treatment
Gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure, not a treatment itself. However, during the procedure, doctors can sometimes treat problems. For example, they can stop bleeding from an ulcer, remove a small polyp (growth), or take a biopsy. Treatment for conditions found during gastroscopy depends on the diagnosis and is discussed with your doctor separately.
Self-care at home
Rest for the rest of the day after the procedure.
Drink cool water or eat soft foods like yogurt if your throat feels sore.
Avoid alcohol, driving, or making important decisions for 24 hours after sedation.
Take over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol (acetaminophen) for a sore throat if needed, but ask your doctor first.
Medical treatments
Depending on what is found during gastroscopy, your doctor may recommend medicines to reduce stomach acid, treat an H. pylori infection, or heal an ulcer. Specific drug names should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Never start or stop medication without medical advice.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is not usually needed based on gastroscopy findings alone. However, if a serious condition like early-stage cancer is found, surgery may be discussed as a treatment option. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist if needed.
Living with this condition
After gastroscopy, most people return to normal activities the next day. You should be able to eat and drink normally after the procedure unless instructed otherwise. If you had biopsies, there is no special aftercare needed.
Lifestyle tips
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 24 hours after sedation.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours to allow your throat to heal.
Follow any dietary advice given by your doctor if a condition like celiac disease or reflux is found.
Diet and exercise
You can usually resume your normal diet and exercise the day after gastroscopy. If you have a sore throat, cool drinks or soft foods may help. If biopsies were taken, no change in diet is needed.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Some people may feel anxious before or after the procedure. It is common to worry about the results. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor if you feel overwhelmed. Most findings are treatable, and early detection is positive.
Prevention
Having a gastroscopy cannot be prevented if it is needed for diagnosis. However, you can reduce the risk of needing a gastroscopy by maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress. Treating conditions like acid reflux early may also help.
Screening programmes
Some countries offer screening for stomach cancer with gastroscopy for people at high risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about screening if you have a family history or other risk factors.
Complications
If left untreated
If a condition is found during gastroscopy but not treated, it may worsen. For example, an untreated ulcer could bleed or become perforated (causing a hole in the stomach lining).
If biopsies show early cancer and it is not addressed, it could grow or spread.
Long-term outlook
Gastroscopy is a safe and valuable procedure. Most people have no complications. If a problem is found, treatment is usually effective. The outlook depends on the underlying condition, but with modern medicine, many digestive issues can be managed well.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
