Have you been having digestive issues but are unsure what the cause is? Your gastrointestinal system goes beyond your stomach. It also includes your esophagus, intestines, and bile ducts. The Digestive Medicine Associates team is available for an endoscopy in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, & Pembroke Pines, FL, that can help diagnose a variety of digestive issues.
What Is an Endoscopy?
When specialists examine your upper gastrointestinal system, it is referred to as an endoscopy. During an endoscopy in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, & Pembroke Pines, FL, you can expect to lie on your back or side while monitors track your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Your doctor may give you a sedative so you can relax as they examine you. To conduct the examination, a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end goes down your mouth and the esophageal tube. As a result, doctors get a Bird's Eye view of this upper gastrointestinal tract, including your stomach, esophagus, and the beginning of your small intestine.
What Happens After the Procedure?
After the procedure ends and the sedative wears off, your throat and mouth may feel numb for a few hours afterward. You should hold off on eating and drinking anything until the numbness subsides. It's a good idea to drink plenty of water once the numbness wears off. You may also want to focus on softer foods like gelatin, broth, or mashed potatoes for the first day or two after.
During the examination, air is introduced into your stomach, so you may feel a little bloated. Some people experience hoarseness, a sore throat, or a cough for the next day or two after the exam. Because you may be under sedation, you should also bring someone with you so they can drive you home.
After the examination, you'll get insight into any issues that may have given you problems. This type of exam can detect Gerd or gastroesophageal reflux disease. That happens when gastric acid from the stomach goes into the esophagus and damages the lining. This test can also identify ulcers and inflammation in the area. You can get your results immediately after you wake up. If your doctor found something suspicious and needed a tissue sample for a biopsy, expect to return a few days later to get those results.
The doctors at Digestive Medicine Associates want to ensure you have a healthy digestive system. That is why the team is glad to provide a professional and safe endoscopy in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, & Pembroke Pines, FL. Call any office at (305) 822-4107 for a consultation today.
