What is an Upper Endoscopy?
Your child’s doctor has recommended an Upper Endoscopy (also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD). This is a test in which the doctor looks directly into the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine with a narrow bendable tube, mounted with a camera and a light, to help find out why kids have stomach pain, diarrhea, throwing up, or trouble growing. The doctor may take very small tissue samples, the size of a pinhead
Reasons why children may need an Upper Endoscopy?
There are many reasons why children may need an Upper Endoscopy including:
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble growing
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain
- Taking out food, coins, or other things that get stuck
What happens before and after the test?
Before the test, on the morning of the test, your child should not eat or drink anything because this can cause problems with the sleep medicine administered before the test.
After the test, your doctor may have pictures to show you. At the same time, he or she can tell your family if there are any medicines your child should take. Once they are drinking well, your child can start eating again and go home. A few kids feel sick after the test and may be watched a little longer.
After the test, if your child has any of these symptoms, call their doctor:
- Stomach pain for more than an hour. Most kids feel fine after the test.
- Throwing up several times. To make sure this is not a problem, have them drink small amounts of beverages like Sprite or ginger ale and popsicles.
- Bleeding. Spitting up small amounts of blood may be normal. However, if there is more than a spoonful or it lasts longer than 1 day, let their doctor know.
- Persistent fevers.
- Sore throat. Your child may have a sore throat for a day or two after the test. If this is really bad or does not go away contact their doctor.
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This information from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition