Upper GI endoscopy day

Overview

An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). The day of the procedure is called 'upper GI endoscopy day' — it’s the day you go to the hospital or clinic to have this test done. It helps find the cause of symptoms like heartburn, stomach pain, or trouble swallowing.

Yes, upper GI endoscopy is a very common procedure performed in hospitals and clinics worldwide. Many people have it to investigate digestive symptoms.

It affects people of all ages who have symptoms related to the upper digestive tract. It is often used in adults, but can also be done in children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms in children

• Poor growth or weight gain
• Frequent vomiting
• Abdominal pain that interferes with daily life
• Trouble swallowing or gagging on food

Symptoms in older adults

• Unexplained anaemia (low red blood cells)
• Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
• Upper abdominal pain that is new or different
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools (indicates bleeding)

Causes

Main causes

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — when stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus
• Stomach ulcers — sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum
• Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
• Barrett's oesophagus — changes in the oesophageal lining due to long-term acid reflux
• Pre-cancerous or cancerous growths in the upper digestive tract

Risk factors

• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or aspirin)
• Helicobacter pylori infection — a bacteria that can cause ulcers
• Obesity
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Family history of stomach cancer or Barrett's oesophagus

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you vomit blood or have black stools
• If you have persistent, severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have heartburn or reflux that has not improved with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies after a few weeks
• If you have trouble swallowing that is slowly getting worse
• If you have unintentional weight loss with digestive symptoms

Diagnosis

Upper GI endoscopy is used both to diagnose and sometimes to treat problems in the upper digestive tract. It is not a condition itself — it is a test. The need for an endoscopy is based on your symptoms and medical history.

Tests that may be done

• Upper GI endoscopy (the main test)
• Biopsy — taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope
• Breath test, stool test, or blood test to check for H. pylori infection
• Barium swallow sometimes used before endoscopy for certain symptoms

What to expect at your appointment

On the day, you will arrive at the endoscopy unit. A nurse will check your details and explain the procedure. You may receive a sedative medicine through a small needle in your arm to help you relax. You will lie on your left side, and a mouth guard will be placed to protect your teeth. The doctor gently passes the endoscope into your mouth and down your throat. You will not be able to talk, but you can breathe normally. The test usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will rest in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. You will be given instructions about eating and drinking. You must not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the endoscopy finds, not the procedure itself. The endoscopy helps guide treatment. For example, if an ulcer or inflammation is found, medicines can be prescribed to reduce stomach acid or treat infection. If a growth or abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove it during the same endoscopy or recommend further treatment.

Self-care at home

• Follow the pre-procedure instructions about fasting exactly to ensure a safe and clear view.
• Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
• Rest the rest of the day after the procedure — do not drive or drink alcohol.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.

Medical treatments

Depending on what is seen during the endoscopy, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as acid-reducing drugs or antibiotics for H. pylori infection. If a bleeding ulcer is found, the doctor can treat it right away with special tools through the endoscope. If a narrowed area (stricture) is found, it can be stretched (dilated) during the procedure. Always take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for the conditions found during an upper GI endoscopy. It may be considered if there is a large tumour, a complication like a perforation (hole), or if other treatments do not work. Your doctor will discuss all options with you.

Living with this condition

After an upper GI endoscopy, most people go back to their normal routine the next day. You may have a mild sore throat for a day or two. If you had a biopsy, you might have slight discomfort but nothing serious. Follow any specific instructions from your doctor about diet or activity.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals if you have reflux or stomach issues.
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms (spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol).
• Keep a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the stomach.
• Stop smoking — it worsens many digestive conditions.
• Manage stress, as it can affect digestion.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports digestive health. Avoid lying down right after meals. Gentle exercise like walking can improve digestion and overall wellbeing. If your doctor found a specific problem, they may give you tailored dietary advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for and having an endoscopy can cause anxiety for some people. It’s normal to feel nervous. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns — they can explain the process and reassure you. If you have a serious diagnosis, it is normal to feel worried or sad. Consider speaking to a counsellor or joining a support group.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for an upper GI endoscopy, because it is a test used to investigate existing symptoms or monitor conditions. However, you can reduce your risk of developing some digestive problems by eating a healthy diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Screening programmes

In some situations, upper GI endoscopy is used as a screening test — for example, in people with long-term acid reflux (Barrett's oesophagus) to check for precancerous changes. If you have a family history of stomach cancer, your doctor may recommend regular endoscopies. Talk to your doctor about whether you need screening.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a condition like a bleeding ulcer or cancer is left undiagnosed, it can lead to serious complications, such as anaemia, uncontrolled bleeding, or spread of cancer.

Long-term outlook

Upper GI endoscopy is a safe procedure with a very low risk of complications. Most people have no problems. For the conditions it finds, the outlook is generally good — many are treatable, especially when caught early. Even if a serious problem is found, there are effective treatments available. Your healthcare team will support you every step of the way.

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