Gastroscopy: How to cope with it easily

Gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a commonly used medical diagnostic method used to observe the internal conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This examination can help doctors detect lesions such as ulcers, inflammation, and tumors, and perform biopsy sampling or treatment. Although gastroscopy is a relatively safe examination, many patients feel nervous and uneasy before undergoing the examination. This article will popularize how to deal with gastrointestinal endoscopy to help readers better understand and deal with this examination.

1. Understanding digestive endoscopy

First, we need to have a basic understanding of gastroscopy. Gastroscopy is a non-invasive examination method. The doctor inserts a soft tube into the patient's esophagus through a gastroscope device to observe the inside of the digestive tract. Although it may sound a little uncomfortable, in fact, this examination is safe and reliable under the operation of a professional medical team.

2. Preparation before gastroscopy

1. Fasting and drinking: Usually, you need to fast for a period of time before the examination so that the doctor can observe the inside of the digestive tract more clearly. Patients should adjust their diet in advance according to the doctor's advice and avoid eating foods that may affect the test results. This is to empty the food residue in the stomach and make it easier for the doctor to observe the stomach wall.

2. Medication adjustment: If the patient is taking certain medications, such as anticoagulants, hypoglycemic drugs, and antihypertensive drugs, etc., they should communicate with the doctor in advance. Before the examination, the doctor may ask the patient to stop taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, etc. This is because these drugs may affect the examination or increase the risk of bleeding.

3. Bring medical records: Patients should bring relevant medical records, such as past medical history, medication history, allergy history, etc., so that doctors can better understand the patient's condition.

3. Gastroscopy process

1. Anesthesia and sedation: Before the examination, the doctor will give local anesthesia or mild sedation according to the patient's condition to relieve the patient's discomfort. The patient will enter a semi-sleeping state under the effect of the sedative, but can still maintain a certain breathing and heartbeat function.

2. Inserting the gastroscope: The doctor will ask the patient to lie on the left side, and then slowly insert the gastroscope into the patient's mouth, through the throat into the esophagus, and then into the stomach. During this process, the patient may feel some discomfort or nausea, but generally there will be no severe pain.

3. Observation and sampling: The doctor observes the inner wall of the upper digestive tract through a gastroscope to find the lesion. If necessary, the doctor will use biopsy forceps to perform biopsy sampling or treatment.

4. End of examination: After completing the observation and sampling, the doctor will slowly withdraw the gastroscope. The patient will wake up after the sedative wears off and rest for a while under the care of medical staff.

4. Response Strategies

1. Relax your mind: Before undergoing gastroscopy, patients should try to relax their mind and reduce tension and anxiety. They can relieve tension by taking deep breaths, listening to music, etc.

2. Cooperate with the doctor: During the examination, the patient should actively cooperate with the doctor's instructions, remain quiet and stable. If you feel uncomfortable, you should inform the doctor in time so that the doctor can take appropriate measures to relieve the discomfort.

3. Pay attention to observation: After the examination, the patient should pay attention to his or her physical condition. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting occur, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Reasonable diet: For a period of time after the examination, patients should follow the doctor's advice and arrange their diet reasonably. Avoid eating spicy, greasy and other irritating foods to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Follow-up examinations on schedule: If the doctor recommends a biopsy or treatment procedure, the patient should have a follow-up examination on schedule to keep abreast of the progress of the disease.

Gastroscopy is an important medical diagnostic method, which is of great significance for the discovery and treatment of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroscopy may cause some discomfort, but it is an important means of diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases. With adequate preparation and reasonable coping strategies, patients can successfully complete gastroscopy and obtain accurate diagnostic results. At the same time, patients should pay attention to their physical condition after the examination and follow the doctor's advice to make reasonable diet and lifestyle adjustments, which will help the body recover soon.

Author: Kong Changfu Department of Gastroenterology, Yanshan County People's Hospital, Hebei Province