How to stay safe in EGD

EGD is indicated for suspected diseases of the digestive tract. Allows you to carefully examine the mucous membranes of the stomach and anatomical structure. The procedure lasts about 7 minutes, but when it detects serious problems or fence material shall be extended to 20 minutes. Anesthesia is used at the discretion of the physician and can be both General and local. Through the mouth or nose of the patient, we introduce a special probe that passes through the esophagus into the stomach, and from there enters into the duodenum. Upon completion of the survey, the probe quickly goes to a doctor outside.

Preparation for EGD, remember that the last meal should be not less than 12 hours before the procedure. Food should be easy. Prohibited the use of alcohol, roasted, nuts, sweet, spicy, salty. All of these products can damage the walls of the stomach and esophagus or complicate diagnosis. In cases where in the stomach are the foci, nuts and chocolate can linger on the walls of the mucosa, leading to difficulty in diagnosis. Therefore, you should exclude these 2 products for 2 days prior to the procedure. Allowed to drink water 3 hours before the procedure.

Medication it is desirable to temporarily cancel. If this is not possible, notify your doctor. Most often, you are allowed to take drugs that dissolve in the stomach for 4 hours before EGD, and absorbable in the mouth tablets for 2 hours. A strict ban on Smoking before the procedure, no, but it is proven that it increases discomfort and anxiety, which increases the time of EGD.

Before the procedure get rid of fear and try not to be nervous. This will help to hold EGD faster and with no unpleasant symptoms. In the event of severe nervous disorders be sure to ask your doctor about local anesthesia. For a more comfortable procedure the patient's throat is sprayed with anesthetic a few minutes before the introduction of the probe. Burp and gag reflex is a normal reaction to the presence of the foreign object. You should not be afraid to make unnecessary movements when they appear.

After the procedure some time, you may experience nausea and even vomiting. These symptoms quickly pass. Do not eat for 1.5-2 hours after the EGD. Serious complications are very rare, in particular it may be bleeding, infection or damage to mucous membranes. If after EGD you have fever, vomiting with blood, diarrhea or severe abdominal pain, consult a doctor.