GERD is a chronic condition that causes acid reflux. It’s a common condition that affects about 20%Trusted Source of Americans, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. This is caused by stomach acid returning up into your esophagus. Regurgitation is another common symptom. This occurs when stomach contents rise into the throat or mouth.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to view your upper GI tract. It can be used to take biopsies or perform other procedures.
Upper GI endoscopy is used to diagnose and, in fewer cases, treat GERD. We’ll discuss these uses and the risks associated with Endoscopy.
Upper Endoscopy for GERD diagnosis
GERD is often indicated by frequent heartburn and regurgitation. After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, a doctor might suspect GERD.
If that is the case, your doctor will start you on a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs reduce stomach acid production and treat GERD. A positive response to PPIs can confirm GERD without requiring further testing.
If you experience less severe symptoms or are concerned, your doctor might order an additional test, such as an upper GI Endoscopy, to determine the cause.
An upper GI endoscopy also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, allows your doctor to examine the lining of your upper GI tract. This includes your stomach and your stomach.
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to determine if your symptoms may be due to GERD or its complications. They may also take a biopsy from the patient to analyze.
You might also need to test for GERD.
Other tests can be used to diagnose GERD and its complications
In addition to the upper GI endoscopy. These tests include:
- Ambulatory pH monitoring. The test uses a small catheter or capsule inserted into the esophagus. This monitors pH changes, which can indicate stomach acid. This information can help you determine how diet and sleep affect your symptoms.
- Esophageal Manometry. Esophageal Manometry can help you to identify problems in your esophagus. As you swallow, it measures the muscle contractions in your stomach. It can also assess the function of your lower esophageal sphincter.
- Barium swallows. This barium swallow detects narrowing in the esophagus or a hiatal hernia. Barium is a chalky substance that coats the upper GI tract. These issues will be examined using a series of X-rays.
Endoscopy is used to treat GERD
Doctors often treat GERD with a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. H2 receptor blocking medications are two examples of medication.
There are certain situations where your doctor might recommend surgery.
- Medications and lifestyle modifications are not effective in managing GERD symptoms.
- Side effects of medications for GERD can be severe.
- To treat GERD, you may wish to discontinue the long-term use of medications.
- Fundoplication and Linx Surgery are the most common GERD surgeries.
Transoral fundoplication is a newer, endoscopy-based surgical method for GERD.
This procedure requires an endoscopy. TIF was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007. More than 17,000 procedures were completed as of 2016.
TIF aims to tighten LES (the muscular valve that connects the stomach and esophagus). The LES may become weaker in people suffering from GERD and open when it shouldn’t.
This allows stomach acid back to flow into the esophagus.
TIF uses an endoscopic device called EsophyX that is passed through the stomach and into the mouth. Once it is in place, it is used to fold the stomach against the lower portion of the esophagus.
A 2016 review stated that the device placed a series of approximately 20Trusted Source polypropylene fasteners to secure the area. These are similar to stitches. This results in a tightened LES.
A 2021 review trusted source covered eight studies and examined the results of TIF over a 5-year average follow-up. It concluded that:
- TIF was reported to have satisfied 12.3 percent of respondents and 70.6 percent after that.
- TIF decreased PPI usage, with 53.8% of people avoiding them entirely and 75.8% relying on them occasionally.
- During the follow-up, most people experienced an improvement in their quality of life and a decrease in GERD symptoms.
Preparing to have an upper endoscopy to diagnose GERD
To prepare for an upper GI endoscopy, your doctor may ask you to do a few things.
Talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor about any vitamins or supplements you are taking and if you have any allergies.
Stop or adjust medications. You can continue to take most medications as prescribed before your procedure. However, your doctor might temporarily ask you to adapt or discontinue certain medications.
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- aspirin
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Quick
Your doctor will ask that you refrain from eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before your Endoscopy. This is according to the American College of Gastroenterology. It is usually okay to have a small amount of water to take your medication.
Make arrangements for a ride
Sedatives are used during Endoscopy. This means it’s not safe to drive home afterward. After your procedure, arrange for assistance getting your home.
You will be given more detailed instructions by your doctor on how to prepare for the procedure.
These instructions should be followed carefully. You can also reach out if you have any concerns or questions.
What is Endoscopy for GERD?
Upper GI Endoscopy can be done as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home that same day. This procedure is usually performed in a hospital or other outpatient medical center.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to remove your jewelry and change it into a hospital gown. An experienced healthcare professional will examine your arm or hand’s vital signs, including heartbeat, pressure, oxygen, and intravenous lines.
The procedure for upper GI endoscopy is relatively quick. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, according to the NIDDK.Trusted Source.
The typical scenario involves these steps:
- The doctor will ask you to lay down on your back on the exam table.
- You will be administered a sedative through the IV to relax you. The IV may also include a numbing medication for your mouth or throat and a mouth guard that protects your teeth.
- The endoscope is inserted into your mouth through your upper GI tract. This includes your stomach, duodenum, and esophagus. While you may feel some pressure and discomfort, it should not be painful.
- The camera attached to the endoscope will capture video of the lining in your upper GI tract. The endoscope will release a bit of air to get a better view.
- Your doctor can take a biopsy at any procedure stage to test it later in a laboratory.
- Your doctor will remove the endoscope after the procedure is completed.
After an endoscopy
After your Endoscopy is completed, you will be transferred to a recovery area where you’ll continue to be monitored for approximately 1 to 2 hours until the effects of the sedative wear down. After the Endoscopy is complete, you can return to your home.
You’ll be given instructions on how to take care of yourself at home after you leave the hospital. Follow these instructions and ask questions if necessary.
Your gag reflex is inhibited by the numbing medication you receive during your Endoscopy. You will be told not to eat and drink until the drug has worn off. After that, you can resume normal swallowing.
It is familiar to bloat or cramp for a brief time. This is caused by the air that passes through the endoscope. The endoscope may cause a sore throat, but it usually only lasts a few days.
Your doctor will be happy to discuss your results once they are available. You may receive your results the same day as your procedure. Your doctor may contact you to discuss your results if they are unavailable immediately.
When is Endoscopy recommended to treat GERD?
Endoscopy is not necessary for everyone suffering from GERD. It is usually enough to diagnose GERD if common symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation can be treated with PPIs.
If you have symptoms not typical of GERD, or if your doctor is concerned, an upper GI endoscopy may be ordered.
These symptoms can be exemplified by:
- Taking a bite that is painfulor challenging
- unintentional weight loss
- Anemiasymptoms include fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
- hoarseness
- persistent cough
- Chest Pain
- Vomitor step that has blood
Possible risks of an endoscopy
The risks associated with an upper GI endoscopy can be rare and occur in less than two percent of Trusted Sources.
There are potential risks:
A sedative reaction can lead to symptoms such as trouble breathing, slow heart rate ( bradycardia), and low blood pressure ( hypotension).
- Bleeding from a biopsy site
- Infection
- A tear ( perforationin your upper GI tract)
Usually, there are risks within 24 hours Trusted Source of the procedure. Get medical care right away if you develop symptoms like:
- A sore throat that isn’t going away or gets worse
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- chest pain
- An increase in pain in the abdomen
- vomiting, mainly if it contains any blood
- Blood in your stool
- feverwith or without chills
Takeaway
Upper GI endoscopy can help your doctor diagnose GERD. It’s unnecessary in all cases but may be required if you have unusual or alarming symptoms such as trouble swallowing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
Endoscopy can be used to treat GERD, as can the TIF procedure. This is still rare. Surgery is generally only recommended when other treatments are ineffective or unsuitable.
Upper GI Endoscopy is a simple outpatient procedure that has very few risks. Follow all instructions and preparations your doctor gives to ensure a smooth process.
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