Is a regular gastroscopy painful?

In the experience of most people, a standard gastroscopy may cause a certain degree of discomfort.

During the procedure, patients need to swallow a long, thin gastroscope tube, which may cause mild discomfort or a foreign-body sensation in the throat and esophagus. At the same time, to achieve a clearer view of the gastric mucosa, the doctor may inject a certain amount of air into the stomach to expand the gastric cavity, which could lead to a feeling of bloating or mild abdominal pain.

Patients with a sensitive gag reflex or those with low tolerance for discomfort are advised to choose a painless gastroscopy. Painless gastroscopy involves intravenous administration of a short-acting anesthetic, which allows patients to fall asleep quickly and thus avoids pain and discomfort during the procedure.

Painless gastroscopy is not suitable for everyone; for example, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and patients with a history of drug allergies should choose this procedure under a doctor's guidance.

To reduce discomfort during gastroscopy, patients can prepare psychologically before the examination and follow the doctor's instructions for necessary preparations, such as fasting and avoiding smoking.