Heartburn/GERD Health Center

Upper Endoscopy for Diagnosing Heartburn and Reflux

What Happens After an Upper Endoscopy?

• You will stay in a recovery room for about an hour for observation.
• You may feel a temporary soreness in your throat. Lozenges may help. Some people may feel nauseated or bloated.
• The doctor who performed the endoscopy may discuss initial findings with you after the procedure but will send the test results to your primary or referring doctor.
• The specialist or your primary doctor will discuss biopsy results with you after the procedure. If the results indicate that prompt medical attention is needed, the necessary arrangements will be made and your referring doctor will be notified.

 Risks of an upper endoscopy include bleeding, perforation of the upper digestive system, and abnormal reaction to the drugs used for sedation.

Warning About Upper Endoscopy

If you have severe or worsening abdominal, throat, and/or chest pain, a continuous cough, fever, chills, or vomiting after an upper endoscopy, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.