How an upper endoscopy from your gastroenterologist in Arcadia, CA, can help you.

Having an upper endoscopy is an excellent way to screen for conditions and diseases affecting your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Dr. Donald Portocarrero at Gastrointestinal & Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solutions in Arcadia, CA, offers a wide variety of gastroenterology services, including upper endoscopy.

If your gastroenterologist has recommended an upper endoscopy, chances are you have some questions. These are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about upper endoscopy:

What is an upper endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy is a screening procedure, used to evaluate the health of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

When do I need an upper endoscopy?

You might need an upper endoscopy if you have signs or symptoms like these:

• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

What are some of the conditions an upper endoscopy can help detect?

An upper endoscopy can help identify:

• Anemia
• Peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Esophageal inflammation
• Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophageal, stomach, or intestinal cancers

What happens during the upper endoscopy procedure?

Upper endoscopy uses an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached to one end. The endoscope is placed in your mouth and guided down your throat and into your upper digestive system.

The endoscope enables your gastroenterologist to view your upper digestive system and take samples of abnormal tissue for biopsy. Any polyps or growths can also be removed during the endoscopy.

What do I need to do to prepare for an upper endoscopy?

Patients are often sedated for the procedure, so you will need to bring someone with you to drive you home after the procedure.

Your gastroenterologist will also ask you not to eat or drink anything at least 4 to 8 hours before the procedure. You need to also stop taking any blood-thinning medications including NSAIDS.

These are just a few of the questions and answers about upper endoscopy. To learn more about the upper endoscopy procedure and how it can help you, call Dr. Donald Portocarrero at Gastrointestinal & Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solutions in Arcadia, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (626) 461-5408, so call now.