From the Research
Abdominal discomfort after a gastroscopy is common and typically resolves within 24-48 hours without specific treatment. For mild discomfort, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000 mg every 6 hours as needed can help, as suggested by general medical knowledge and not explicitly stated in the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen as they may irritate the stomach lining. A warm compress applied to the abdomen and sipping clear fluids can also provide relief. This discomfort occurs because during the procedure, air is introduced into the digestive tract to improve visualization, which can cause bloating, gas pain, and mild cramping. The throat may also feel sore from the endoscope passage.
Possible Causes of Discomfort
- Air introduced into the digestive tract during the procedure
- Bloating and gas pain
- Mild cramping
- Sore throat from the endoscope passage However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain, fever above 101°F, difficulty swallowing that doesn't improve, vomiting (especially with blood), black or bloody stools, or chest pain, as these could indicate complications requiring prompt medical attention, as noted in 2. Most patients can resume their normal diet once fully recovered from sedation, but starting with clear liquids and advancing as tolerated may be more comfortable.
Management of Discomfort
- Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen
- Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen
- Warm compress applied to the abdomen
- Sipping clear fluids It's also important to note that some patients may experience persistent psychological or physical symptoms after endoscopic procedures, as reported in 3. In such cases, it's essential to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Severe or worsening pain
- Fever above 101°F
- Difficulty swallowing that doesn't improve
- Vomiting (especially with blood)
- Black or bloody stools
- Chest pain Overall, while abdominal discomfort after a gastroscopy is generally mild and self-limiting, it's crucial to be aware of the potential causes and management strategies to ensure a smooth recovery, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 4.