How to Prepare for Upper GI Endoscopy
To accomplish a safe and complete examination, the stomach should be empty. The patient will be asked to have nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to the procedure. Smoking and chewing gum are also prohibited during this time. You will receive written instructions about this beforehand, or they may arrive with the appointment letter. Prior to scheduling the procedure, the patient should inform his or her physician of any medications they are currently taking, any allergies, and all of their health problems. This information will remind the doctor whether the patient may need antibiotics prior to the procedure, what potential medications should not be used during the exam because of the patient’s allergies, and will provide the individual scheduling the procedure an opportunity to instruct the patient whether any of the medications they are taking should be held or adjusted prior to the endoscopy. Knowledge whether the patient has any major health problems, such as heart or lun
