Can a person who has been taking aspirin long-term undergo a gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy usually refers to a gastroscopic examination. Generally speaking, individuals who take aspirin long-term should not undergo gastroscopy, as it may easily cause physical discomfort. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. The specific analysis is as follows:
Long-term use of aspirin typically contraindicates undergoing gastroscopy. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that primarily works by inhibiting platelet formation and aggregation, which may impair the patient's blood clotting function. During gastroscopy, friction with the gastrointestinal mucosa is common and could increase the risk of bleeding. If gastroscopy is necessary, the patient should discontinue aspirin for seven days prior to the procedure, which helps reduce the risk of bleeding.
After undergoing gastroscopy, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan pepper, to prevent irritation of the gastric mucosa, alleviate stomach pain, and reduce the risk of developing gastric ulcers.