Preparing for gastroscopy

Overview

A gastroscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to look inside your stomach and the beginning of your small intestine. It helps find the cause of symptoms like pain, bleeding, or trouble swallowing.

Yes, gastroscopy is one of the most common procedures performed to investigate stomach and upper gut problems.

It can be done at any age, but is most often recommended for people with long-term heartburn, stomach pain, or conditions like anemia or Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Upper abdominal pain or bloating
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black or tarry stools
• Difficulty swallowing

Symptoms in children

• Similar symptoms but may also include poor growth, feeding problems, or frequent vomiting

Symptoms in older adults

• More likely to have painless bleeding or unexplained anemia
• May have trouble swallowing that gets worse over time

Causes

Main causes

• A gastroscopy is usually done to find the cause of symptoms. Common reasons include ulcers, inflammation (gastritis), Barrett's esophagus, or stomach cancer.

Risk factors

• Age over 50
• Smoking or drinking alcohol heavily
• Helicobacter pylori infection (a bacteria that can cause ulcers)
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you are vomiting blood or have bloody or black stools
• If you have severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away
• If you have trouble swallowing or feel like food is getting stuck

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing heartburn, indigestion, or stomach pain that doesn't improve with simple measures
• If you have unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• If a blood test shows you are anemic (low iron)

Diagnosis

A gastroscopy itself is a diagnostic test. Your doctor will refer you for this procedure if your symptoms or health history suggest a problem in the upper digestive system.

Tests that may be done

• Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy)
• Biopsy (small tissue samples taken during the procedure)
• Your doctor may also recommend a breath or stool test to check for Helicobacter pylori infection

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of your gastroscopy, you'll be asked to fast (no food or drink) for around 6 to 8 hours beforehand. You'll be given a throat spray and/or a sedative to keep you comfortable. The procedure is done while you lie on your side. A thin tube is gently passed through your mouth and into your stomach. You might feel a little pressure but not pain. After a short recovery, you can go home. You'll need someone to drive you if you had sedation.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the gastroscopy finds. Common findings include inflammation (gastritis), an ulcer, or a condition called Barrett's esophagus. If a biopsy shows cancer, further tests and specialist care will be arranged.

Self-care at home

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms (e.g., spicy or fatty foods, citrus, caffeine)
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines that reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. If an infection with Helicobacter pylori is found, you will be given a combination of antibiotics and acid reducers. Treatment is tailored to your specific condition. Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop medication without advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered for large ulcers that do not heal, for polyps (growths) that cannot be removed during the gastroscopy, or for early-stage stomach cancer. Your doctor will discuss all options with you.

Living with this condition

After your gastroscopy, you can usually return to normal activities the next day. If you had sedation, avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours. Follow any dietary advice from your doctor based on what was found.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Exercise regularly to help digestion and reduce stress

Diet and exercise

Aim for a diet low in spicy, fried, and acidic foods if you have acid reflux. Gentle exercise like walking can help digestion. If you have an ulcer, avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless prescribed by a doctor.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for test results can be worrying. It's normal to feel anxious or stressed. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns. If you feel overwhelmed, consider speaking to a counselor or support group.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent the conditions that lead to a gastroscopy, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of stomach problems. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight.

Screening programmes

If you have a high risk of stomach cancer (e.g., family history, Barrett's esophagus), your doctor may recommend regular gastroscopies as a screening test. For most people, routine screening is not needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the underlying condition is left untreated, symptoms like pain or bleeding may get worse
• Ulcers can cause bleeding or a hole in the stomach (perforation)
• Some conditions, like Barrett's esophagus, can increase the risk of stomach cancer if not monitored

Long-term outlook

Most conditions found during a gastroscopy are treatable, often with medication and simple lifestyle changes. Even if a more serious problem like cancer is found, catching it early gives the best chance for successful treatment. Regular follow-up can help keep you healthy. With modern medicine, many people with stomach issues go on to live full, active lives.

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