Most people who have undergone endoscopy complain of it being painful. This might not be entirely true. Well, the simple answer is no. The endoscopy isn’t all that painful. While people who undergo endoscopy will experience some discomfort like having a sore throat. Below you will find uncomplicated details of the endoscopic procedure and burst some of the myths around it. So is endoscopy painful know the details of the procedure in this article.
What is Endoscopy?
In layman’s terms, Endoscopy involves a long, thin tube attached with an video imaging camera. The same thin tube is inserted inside your body usually through mouth.
Modern endoscopy is relatively an quick and safe procedure. It is carried out to detect, confirm and treat an issue in the body. This procedure can also be used to eliminate tumors and polyps from digestive tract. Endoscopy procedure help diagnose polyps.
Types of endoscopy.
- Gastrointestinal tract(GI).
- Respiratory tract(rhinoscopy).
- Urinary tract(cystoscopy).
- Ear(otoscopy).
- Female reproductive tract.
Capsule endoscopy.
In the mid 90’s a new kind of endoscopic procedure was developed. It incorporated an wireless camera. The camera was fit into a capsule and later on it was swallowed. The capsule is small just like an vitamin capsule. Because, it is so small it goes around the digestive tract easily.
The pill then traversed through your digestive tract and capturing images and sending them back for diagnosis. It was mostly used to figure out the issues of the small intestines as it was an difficult area for normal endoscopic procedure. So you see this is endoscopy. It was it’s size that made the hard to reach places accessible. So, if you have this question is endoscopy painful know the details of the procedure below.
Why one may need it?
A person needs to undergo endoscopy if they suffer from the following.
- Stomach pain.
- Digestive tract bleeding.
- Ulcers or gastritis.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Polyps growth.
These issues are detected only then the doctor recommends an endoscopy. In order to treat the above mentioned issues an endoscopic procedure might prove helpful. The doctor may use this procedure to take an biopsy of the tissues inside. The pill then traversed through your digestive tract and capturing images and sending them back for diagnosis. It was mostly used to diagnose the issues of the small intestines as it was an difficult area for a normal procedure. So you see this is why you might need endoscopy.
How to prepare for an endoscopy?
If you have the question is endoscopy painful you can know the details below.
The gastroenterologist will administer anesthesia. The doctors sometimes also spray numbing spray in your throat to avoid any discomfort. Therefore, it’s important to prepare your stomach before the endoscopic procedure. Doctors usually provide the patients with dietary guidelines. These guidelines advise patients what to eat and not eat before and after the endoscopy procedure.
Do not to not consume anything for almost 12 hours before the procedure except. You may consume liquids for e. g water or coffee etc. The procedure requires the patients to be under anesthesia. Hence, after the procedure the patients should wait for 2 hours before consuming anything. Later on you can start by sipping water.
I’d say bring your friend along before getting into the procedure. You may feel bloated or have a sore throat which is normal and should be fine after a day. You and consume only light foods for the next 48 hours. These foods may include soups, eggs, salads or fruits. I would suggest you to not consume alcohol of 24 hours after the procedure.
You can resume a normal diet once they feel normal which is usually after 24 hours of the procedure. So to answer your question is endoscopy painful you now know the procedure and it is not.
How can endoscopy help treat health issues?
There is a time when heartburn can’t be solved with over-the-counter antacids. It’s conditions like these when the doctors asks you to undergo an endoscopy. Endoscopy can help reach and diagnose hard to reach places like the small intestines.
With the help of video images form an endoscopy it becomes a lot easier to treat such conditions. With the help of this quick and safe procedure your doctor can snip off polyps in colon. It is also used to detect tumors that can potentially be cancerous.
Endoscopy can help stopping of internal bleeding of vessels due to ulcers. It can also help in widening the esophagus, or any narrowed tube in the digestive tract by inserting stents. If an foreign object is stuck in your throat an endoscopy will help remove the foreign object.
So to answer your question. Is it painful?.
To sum it up, Endoscopy is a quick, reliable and safe way of diagnosing and treating various health issues. Multiple type of endoscopies that are performed on the various areas of your body. And yes, it’s not an painful procedure. Though it might be little uncomfortable but it relieves you of other medical conditions. Always keep your health in check .Get regularly diagnosed by doctor. Stay healthy, stay safe.