Things You Need to Know About Upper Endoscopy

 An upper endoscopy, known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a procedure that helps to visually examine the patient’s upper digestive system with the help of a tiny camera attached at the end of a long, flexible tube, known as an endoscope. A gastroenterologist uses this tool to diagnose or treat conditions that affect the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine (duodenum). Let us know more about the procedure: 

Preparation

Usually, people who are undergoing upper endoscopy receive a sedative. This helps them relax and make them more comfortable during the procedure. The patient may be mentally alert, but their memory, reaction time, and judgment may be partially impaired for around 24 hours. It is suggested that the patient should bring along someone who can drive them home after the procedure. 

During the Procedure 

During an upper endoscopy procedure, the patient will be asked to lie down on a table either on their back or on their side. The procedure involves: 

Attaching monitors to the body: This allows the health care team to keep a tab on the patient’s breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Administering medications: Sedatives and medications is injected through the vein in the forearm. 

Spraying an anaesthetic in the mouth: This is used to numb the throat that helps the patient prepare for insertion of the endoscope. The patient may also be asked to wear a plastic mouth guard that will hold his/her mouth open.

Inserting the endoscope: The patient will also be asked to swallow to help the endoscope pass down the throat. The patient may feel some pressure which is normal. 

Symptoms

Some of the common signs and symptoms to watch for after the procedure is over are:

• Fever
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dark coloured stool
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Vomiting

We hope that this information will help in the preparation of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and will make the process quite easy for the patient. Also, it is advised that one should only get such procedures done by the best endoscopist in Delhi NCR to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

A brief overview of the pancreas and when to see a doctor

 The pancreas in the human body is about the 6-inch long organ that is located behind the stomach. It silently works like a machine, meal after meal. Being an organ of the digestive system, it works as an exocrine gland that releases pancreatic juices to break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein to extract nutrients and transform them into fuel for the body.

Pancreas might stop working properly because of certain pancreatic disorders which may include acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. 

Causes of pancreatitis

Some of the most common cause of pancreatitis are:

• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Gallstones
• Some medications
• Genetic disorders

Symptoms of pancreatitis

• Upper abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that aggravates after eating
• Abdominal pain that spreads to the back 
• Nausea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Tenderness when touching the abdomen
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Smelly stools (steatorrhea)
• Sudden weight loss

When to see a doctor

When you witness any of the mentioned symptoms, you need to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. A gastroenterologist treats diseases and disorders of the esophagus, small intestine, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, colon and rectum, and bile ducts and liver. 

When you consult with the doctor, he/she will advise you to undergo certain tests which are used to diagnose pancreatitis. These include a blood test, stool test, CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, and MRI among others.  

Preparing for your appointment

Now since we know when to consult a doctor, let us understand what are things that we need to keep in mind before visiting the doctor. Because these appointments are often brief and there is a lot to discuss, hence it is a good idea to be well-prepared. 

• Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions 
• List down the symptoms to explain
• Write down the medications that have been taken along with recent life changes 
• Take a family member along as it is difficult to absorb every bit of information  

What to ask the doctor? 

Some basic questions include: 

• What are the possible causes of the symptoms? 
• What kind of tests are required? 
• Is the condition temporary or chronic?
• What would be the best cause of action?
• Are there any restrictions to follow?
• What will be the treatment cost? 
• Will it be covered in health insurance?

Keeping these questions is important when consulting with the doctor. Also, it is important that individuals approach the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or whichever city they live in to be able to receive effective treatment.