When many people hear about gastroscopy, various "painful images" come to mind and they shake their heads in fear. But in fact, gastroscopy is not as scary as we imagine. It not only helps us identify "small problems" in the gastrointestinal tract, but also is a key means of preventing gastrointestinal cancer! Today, let's break your fear and take you to rediscover this important examination. 1、 Gastrointestinal endoscopy: Performing a "high-definition physical examination" of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is like a "magical hose", with one end carrying an ultra high definition camera and lighting, and the other end connected to a display screen. Gastroscopy enters through the mouth and can clearly observe every movement of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; Colonoscopy can be inserted through the anus to carefully examine the internal conditions of the rectum, colon, and cecum. Whether it's small ulcers, polyps, or early-stage cancer, they are all exposed to it, more direct and accurate than ordinary X-rays and CT scans! 2、 In these situations, it's time to have a gastroscopy. 1. The body sounds an "alarm": repeated stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, and even bloody and dark stools. Medication won't help, a gastroscopy can help you find the root cause. 2. High risk individuals must be checked: those over 45 years old, who have had gastrointestinal cancer in their family, have a long-term love for pickled foods, smoke and drink alcohol, and have stomach ulcers or intestinal polyps themselves. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is your "health protection umbrella". 3. Regular screening is important: even if you don't feel uncomfortable normally, it is recommended to have regular check ups. Many early gastrointestinal diseases have no symptoms at all, and it may be too late when the pain starts! 3、 Preparation before examination: It's actually quite simple. 1. Gastroscopy preparation: Do not eat or drink water 6-8 hours before the examination, not even milk tea or coffee! Only by completely emptying the stomach can doctors see clearly. 2. Preparation for enteroscopy: eat light Congee and noodles 1-2 days in advance, and drink "intestinal medicine" to clean the intestines before examination. Don't be lazy! Unclear intestines greatly reduce the effectiveness of the examination. If you are worried about discomfort during the bowel cleansing process, you can communicate with a doctor and choose a milder solution. 4、 Examination process: It's really not that painful. 1. Ordinary gastroscopy: You may feel a little nauseous and bloated, like someone gently pressing your stomach, which most people can accept. You can also spray some anesthesia to relieve discomfort. 2. Painless gastroscopy: Give a "nap shot" and fall asleep in just a few minutes. When you wake up, the examination is over and you feel nothing throughout. But on the day after anesthesia, don't drive or do complicated work. Just go home and rest well. 5、 Precautions after examination: easy recovery 1. Ordinary gastroenteroscope: don't eat 1-2 hours after examination. When your throat is numb, eat some soft noodles and rice porridge. Don't eat spicy and greasy food that day. 2. Painless gastroscopy: Drink water 2 hours after waking up and eat again 4 hours later. Be sure to have your family with you on the same day and don't run around on your own. 3. Biopsy or polyp removal: According to the doctor's advice, fasting, bed rest, and vigorous exercise may be necessary to prevent bleeding. 6、 Dispel your concerns. 1. Worried about harm to the body: The gastrointestinal endoscope tube is soft and elastic, and if operated properly, it will not damage the gastrointestinal tract. 2. Afraid of embarrassment: Doctors have to do many tests every day, and in their eyes, this is just an ordinary job, so there is no need to feel embarrassed. 3. Afraid of being diagnosed with a serious illness: It is precisely because of fear that early examination is necessary! The cure rate for early gastrointestinal cancer is over 90%, but it's too late to regret it. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is really not scary, it is the "scout" guarding gastrointestinal health! Don't let fear hinder your health. Don't hesitate when it's time to check, check early and have a good morning's heart! If you have any further questions, just talk to a doctor and they will give you the most reliable advice! (New Society)