Upper Endoscopy

Kevin H. Ashby, MD

Gastroenterologist servicing Orange County, CA located in Foothill Ranch, CA

If you have digestive symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, throat pain, or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, you may need an upper endoscopy to find the source of your issues. At the gastroenterology practice of Kevin Ashby, MD, in Foothill Ranch, California, you can get answers about your chronic symptoms. With the information provided by an upper endoscopy, Dr. Ashby can diagnose your condition and design a treatment plan that works for you. Schedule your appointment by phone or using online booking.

Upper Endoscopy Q & A

What is an upper endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy is a test in which Dr. Ashby views your upper digestive system using a long thin tube called an endoscope. The miniature camera inside the endoscope sends images to a video monitor, allowing Dr. Ashby to look for irregularities and abnormalities.

Dr. Ashby may recommend an upper endoscopy to investigate digestive symptoms, such as:

Abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing
GI bleeding
Vomiting
Nausea

Dr. Ashby can also obtain small tissue samples for testing (a biopsy) during an upper endoscopy. In some cases, Dr. Ashby can perform treatments during an upper endoscopy. For example, he can remove a polyp or widen your esophagus if needed.

How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

You may need to fast for up to eight hours before the procedure. You also might need to make some temporary medication changes. Dr. Ashby gives you specific directions ahead of time.

What happens during an upper endoscopy?

Before the procedure, lying on your left side, you're given pain medicine and a calming medication through an IV, along with a numbing throat spray. To keep your mouth open and shield your teeth from damage during the procedure, you wear a mouthguard.

Dr. Ashby threads the endoscope into your mouth and down your throat and esophagus. You're able to breathe, and you won't be in pain.

To better view problems in your digestive tract, Dr. Ashby may gently send air or water through your esophagus. You may need to shift your position so he can get a better view.

If Dr. Ashby discovers problems, such as polyps, he inserts slender surgical tools into the endoscope to remove them. After he gradually retracts the endoscope, you rest for a short period so Dr. Ashby and his team can monitor you until you're fully alert again.

What happens after my upper endoscopy?

After your upper endoscopy, it’s normal to have some temporary issues like gagging, bloating, gas, and belching. Avoid eating or drinking for a couple of hours afterward.

Relax for the remainder of the day, following Dr. Ashby’s directions for recovery. At your next appointment, he reviews your results with you and goes over your treatment options.

Upper endoscopy is an outpatient procedure that can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need. For a procedure performed by a leading GI specialist, call Kevin Ashby, MD, or click the online appointment maker.