A Gastroscopy Test (also called upper endoscopy) allows a gastroenterologist to look inside your esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. A thin, flexible tube with a camera goes through your mouth into your digestive tract. The test finds inflammation ulcers, infection or growths. It also lets the doctor collect biopsies for conditions like H pylori, celiac disease, or early cancer. At times, the doctor fixes a problem on the spot by removing polyps or stopping a bleeding ulcer.
Why Doctors Recommend Gastroscopy?
Persistent Indigestion and Heartburn
If you have upper belly pain, heartburn, or indigestion that does not improve with medicine, your doctor may suggest a gastroscopy test. The procedure finds causes like gastritis, reflux damage, or peptic ulcers, so your doctor can treat the cause.
Chronic Nausea or Vomiting
Ongoing nausea or vomiting without a clear reason may come from stomach inflammation, ulcers or a blockage. A Gastroscopy finds the cause so your doctor can treat it.
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
If you struggle to swallow or you feel pain when you swallow, your doctor may order a Gastroscopy Test. The test finds narrowing inflammation or growths in the esophagus. The doctor may stretch a narrowed esophagus during the test so you can swallow normally again.
Signs of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools may come from bleeding in the upper digestive tract. Iron‑deficiency anemia may signal slow bleeding. A diagnostic Gastroscopy finds the bleeding source and often stops it during the same visit.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Appetite Loss
If you lose weight without change in diet or if your appetite falls your doctor may order a Gastroscopy Test. The procedure checks for ulcers gastritis or early cancer. It lets the doctor take biopsies so they can find causes quickly and treat them.
Suspected Ulcers, Infections or Inflammation
Symptoms like burning stomach pain or risk factors for H pylori or Crohn’s disease lead to a diagnostic Gastroscopy. The test confirms ulcer inflammation or infection and lets your doctor gather tissue to confirm a diagnosis.
Screening for Cancer or Precancerous Changes
If you have long‑term reflux a family history of stomach or esophageal cancer or polyps on scans, your doctor may suggest a Gastroscopy Test. The procedure helps find early lesions or abnormal tissue and lets the doctor remove small growths before they cause harm.
Monitoring or Treatment of Known Conditions
If you have Barrett’s esophagus a history of ulcers or cirrhosis, your doctor may suggest regular diagnostic Gastroscopy visits. The test also helps remove foreign objects, small tumors or polyps and in some cases place a feeding tube without surgery.
Gastroscopy Preparation
- Do not eat solid food for about six to eight hours before the test.
- Drink clear liquids only up to two to four hours before, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Tell your doctor all medicines and supplements you take. You may need to pause blood thinners or diabetes medicine so the test is safe.
- Plan transport because doctors use sedation. You must not drive or do heavy activity on the same day.
- Wear loose clothes and remove glasses or dentures. You can brush your teeth but don’t swallow water if told not to.
Proper preparation helps your test go smoothly and helps staff give you care without rescheduling.
What to Expect During the Gastroscopy Procedure?
Before the Procedure
You arrive at the endoscopy unit and a nurse reviews your health history and confirms you followed preparation steps. They check your blood pressure pulse and oxygen level. You sign a consent form and you can ask any final questions.
Sedation and Throat Numbing
A sedative goes into your arm through an IV so you can relax or fall asleep lightly. A throat spray numbs your mouth and reduces the gag reflex. The spray tastes bitter and your throat feels numb for a short while.
During the Procedure
You lie on your side and hold a mouth guard. The flexible tube gently goes down your throat, often after you swallow. Air moves into your stomach, allowing the doctor to see the gut lining better. You may feel pressure or bloating, and you may burp. The camera inspects your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. If needed, the doctor takes biopsies or removes small polyps. The test lasts fifteen to thirty minutes, but you spend hours at the clinic because of prep and recovery.
After the Procedure
The doctor slowly withdraws the tube. You go to a recovery area until the sedative wears off. You may feel sleepy or have a mild sore throat for about one hour. Bloating is common and goes away soon. Staff watch you until you feel steady. The doctor or nurse shares any immediate findings. Lab results come in a few days, and the staff will call or see you to share the biopsy results.
You must rest the rest of the day and avoid driving or signing important papers. Most patients go back to normal activities the next day unless the doctor says otherwise. Serious problems are rare. You may notice a minor sore throat or gas discomfort. Call your doctor immediately if you get severe abdominal pain, breathing trouble, bloody vomiting, or fever.
Gastroscopy Charges and Cost Considerations
Costs depend on the clinic, the city sedation, and any added treatments like polyp removal or biopsies. In Pakistan, in cities like Lahore, the basic Gastroscopy Test cost may be low at smaller clinics. If the test involves a biopsy or treatment, you may pay more in private hospitals. Charges may run from a few thousand Pakistani Rupees to a higher sum.
Check with the clinic or hospital for current rates. Ask whether your insurance covers the test, so you pay less. If needed, ask about payment plans or help. Though cost matters, early diagnosis can avoid bigger costs later, so the test can save money and health in the long run.
Conclusion
A Gastroscopy Test lets doctors diagnose and treat upper digestive problems early. Doctors recommend it for symptoms like pain, heartburn, nausea, weight loss, trouble swallowing, bleeding, or suspected inflammation or ulcers. The test helps find serious issues like ulcers or early cancer. It also lets doctors perform simple treatment right away. Simple preparation and care by trained staff help you feel calm. The test is safe, quick, and helpful. If you have any warning signs or risk factors, talk to your doctor soon. Getting a Gastroscopy early leads to better health and more answers. Book your appointment today and live a stress-free life!
