What causes a sore throat after having a gastroscopy?
Oct 09, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Sore throat after gastroscopy may result from consuming irritating, coarse, or hard foods shortly after the procedure. During gastroscopy, improper technique or excessive force by the doctor may injure the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to sore throat. Gastroscopy usually requires anesthesia; if a patient is allergic to the anesthetic, this may also cause a sore throat following the procedure.
Throat pain after a gastroscopy is usually caused by improper diet, injury to the pharyngeal mucosa, or allergic reaction to anesthetic.
1. Improper Diet
Throat pain following a gastroscopy may occur if, after the procedure, one does not follow the doctor's instructions and consumes irritating, coarse, or hard foods too soon, leading to damage of the pharyngeal mucosa.
2. Pharyngeal Mucosal Injury
During gastroscopy, the endoscope passes through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach. If the doctor handles the instrument improperly or uses excessive force, it may cause excessive friction and damage to the pharyngeal mucosa, resulting in throat pain. If the injured area is not properly cared for and becomes infected, the pain may worsen.
3. Allergic Reaction to Anesthetic
Gastroscopy often requires local anesthesia. If a patient is allergic to the anesthetic, the pharyngeal mucosa may become irritated, which can also lead to throat pain after the procedure.
After experiencing throat pain post-gastroscopy, symptoms can be improved by maintaining a bland diet and avoiding excessively hot foods.
