Undergoing a gastroscopy (also known as an upper endoscopy) helps find the causes of digestive problems. What you do after the test is just as important. Good aftercare helps you recover well and lowers the chance of problems. This guide includes simple gastroscopy care tips, supported by Dr. Fahd Aziz Rana, a leading gastroenterologist in Lahore.
Rest and Activity After Your Gastroscopy
After the procedure, you will stay in the recovery area for a short time. If you were given sedation, you will need to rest for the rest of the day. Do not return to work or carry out any heavy activity. Your body needs time to heal.
If you had sedation, arrange for someone to take you home. Do not drive yourself. Even if you feel fine, your reflexes and thinking may still be slow. It is also best to have someone stay with you for the next 12 to 24 hours.
If no sedation was used and only throat spray was applied, rest for a few hours. Even if you feel normal, take it easy to help your body recover.
For the first 24 hours after sedation, avoid:
- Driving or using heavy machines
- Drinking alcohol or taking sedatives
- Signing documents or making big decisions
- Taking care of small children alone
- Heavy lifting or exercise
Most people return to normal tasks, including driving and work, the next day if they feel well.
Diet and Hydration After the Procedure
The throat spray used during a gastroscopy can numb your throat. You should not eat or drink for about one hour or until the numbness is gone. Eating too early could cause choking because your throat will not feel normal. Your healthcare team will tell you when you can start drinking.
Start with small sips of water. If that feels fine, try soft food like soup, yogurt, or toast. These foods are gentle on the throat and stomach. Once you feel better, go back to your usual meals. Most people eat normally later the same day. Move slowly and listen to your body. If your throat is sore or your stomach feels upset, stick with soft foods.
Drink plenty of fluids. Your body needs hydration after fasting. Water, juice, or warm herbal tea can help. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol can upset the stomach and make sedation effects stronger. Avoid very hot or spicy food until your throat feels better.
Managing Side Effects and Discomfort
It is normal to feel mild effects after a gastroscopy. Knowing how to handle them can make you feel more at ease. Common symptoms include a sore throat, bloating, or drowsiness. Here are some gastroscopy care tips for each:
Sore throat or hoarseness
The endoscope may have irritated your throat. This should go away within 24 to 48 hours. Warm salt water gargles and warm drinks can help. You can also use throat lozenges. Do not smoke for the rest of the day as it will make your throat worse.
Bloating and gas
Air used during the test can make your stomach feel full or tight. This usually fades in a few hours. Walking or moving around can help let the air out and ease pressure.
Drowsiness or fatigue
If you had sedation, you may feel sleepy. The best way to recover is to rest. Sleep if you feel tired. Most people feel fine the next day.
Nausea
You may feel a little sick after the test due to sedation or an empty stomach. Try sipping clear fluids and eating bland food. Ginger tea or ginger ale can also help calm your stomach.
Minor bleeding
If a biopsy was taken, you might see small blood spots in your spit or stool. A small amount is not serious and should stop soon. If there is more than a small amount, call your doctor.
These symptoms usually go away fast. Most people feel normal the next day.
Resuming Medications and Follow-Up Care
You can usually take your regular medicine after the test. But follow your doctor’s instructions. If you were told to stop any medicine before the test, ask your doctor when to start it again. Many people can restart the next day, but it depends on what was done during the test.
If your doctor gives you new medicine, such as antibiotics or acid control tablets, take them as instructed. Ask when and how you will get your test results. Some results may be shared right after the test. Others, like biopsies, can take a few days.
You may need a follow-up appointment or phone call. Before leaving the clinic, check if you need to book this. Ask how they will share your results and who you should contact if you have questions.
Warning Signs: When to Seek Medical Help
Problems after a gastroscopy are rare, but it is important to know when to get help. Contact a doctor or go to the hospital right away if you have:
- Strong belly or chest pain that does not go away
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, sticky stool
- Fever over 38°C (100°F) or chills
- Throat pain that gets worse or trouble swallowing
Tell the medical team that you recently had a gastroscopy. This helps them check you quickly and properly.
Conclusion
These gastroscopy care tips can help you heal well after your test. Most people feel normal by the next day. Always follow your doctor’s advice. If anything worries you, contact your healthcare provider. Dr. Fahd Aziz Rana and his team in Lahore are here to help you with support and guidance during your recovery.
