Difficulty Swallowing: When Is an Endoscopy Needed?
Swallowing is something most of us do hundreds of times a day without thinking about it. Then, suddenly, a bite of food seems to move slowly, a pill feels stuck in your throat, or you need several sips of water to get food down. At first, it may seem like an isolated annoyance. But when […]
When Is an Endoscopy Recommended for Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is common, and occasional heartburn does not necessarily mean you need an endoscopy. But when reflux symptoms become frequent, persistent, difficult to control, or are accompanied by certain warning signs, your gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy to look more closely at your esophagus and stomach. So, when is an endoscopy recommended for […]
Endoscopy vs Colonoscopy: What’s the Difference?
When a doctor recommends an endoscopy or colonoscopy, it is natural to wonder why you need the procedure and how it differs from the other one. Understanding the endoscopy vs colonoscopy difference can help you feel more prepared and understand why your gastroenterologist recommends a particular test. Both use a thin, flexible camera to examine […]
What Happens During an Upper Endoscopy? A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients
If your gastroenterologist has recommended an upper endoscopy, also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD, it is completely normal to wonder what will happen once you arrive. Will it hurt? Will you be awake? How long does it take? Can you breathe while the scope is being used? These are common questions. An upper endoscopy is […]
