An upper endoscopy, medically known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), utilizes a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera to examine the lining of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Following this procedure, it is common to experience some mild, temporary discomfort in the abdominal area. This transient stomach pain, often described as cramping or gas, is generally considered a normal side effect. However, severe, persistent, or worsening pain is not normal and may signal a complication that requires immediate medical attention.
Expected Post-Endoscopy Discomforts
The most frequent source of post-endoscopy discomfort is the insufflation of air into the digestive tract during the procedure. Air is gently introduced through the endoscope to expand the upper digestive organs, allowing the gastroenterologist a clear view of the mucosal lining. This necessary distension causes transient abdominal bloating, pressure, and cramp-like pain as the body works to absorb and pass the gas.
This gas pain can sometimes be referred to the shoulder, caused by the irritation of the diaphragm. The diaphragm shares nerve pathways with the shoulder, meaning the trapped gas can be perceived as discomfort in the upper back or shoulder area instead of the abdomen. A mild sore throat, or pharyngitis, is also common due to the passage of the endoscope tube. If a biopsy was performed, patients may experience minor internal discomfort at the sampling site. These common post-procedural symptoms are typically mild and resolve naturally within a few hours to twenty-four hours after the procedure.
Immediate Care and Symptom Management
The primary goal of immediate post-procedure care is to help the body eliminate the air introduced during the EGD. Gentle movement, such as walking around the recovery area or at home, is highly effective in encouraging the passage of trapped gas through burping or flatulence. This simple action often provides significant relief from bloating and cramping sensations.
Initially, start with clear liquids and gradually transition to soft, bland foods as the stomach settles. Avoiding heavy, greasy, or spicy meals prevents unnecessary irritation to the digestive tract. For managing mild pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are appropriate.
Patients should avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen unless specifically instructed by their physician. NSAIDs increase the risk of bleeding, which is a concern if biopsies or other interventional treatments were performed during the endoscopy. Applying a warm compress to the abdomen may also soothe mild cramping and muscle tension.
Recognizing Signs of Complications
While mild discomfort is normal, certain symptoms indicate a serious complication, such as perforation or significant bleeding, and warrant immediate emergency medical attention. Severe, persistent abdominal pain that is noticeably different from typical gas discomfort is a significant warning sign. This pain may be accompanied by abdominal distension or increasing tenderness.
Other signs of a life-threatening event include fever and chills, which can point to an infection. Vomiting blood, or passing black, tarry stools (melena), suggests internal bleeding that requires immediate intervention. Bleeding risk is slightly higher if a polyp was removed or multiple biopsies were taken.
Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing that persists or worsens should also prompt an emergency call. Although rare, a tear in the upper digestive tract lining can occur. These severe symptoms signal the need for immediate medical evaluation.
Recovery Timeline and When to Call the Doctor
For most patients, mild discomforts, such as throat soreness and gas pain, resolve entirely within twenty-four hours of the procedure. The effects of sedation typically wear off within a few hours, allowing patients to resume light activities the next day. Full recovery, including the ability to return to all normal activities, usually occurs within one day.
If minor abdominal discomfort or bloating persists beyond 48 hours, contact the physician’s office for guidance. This applies to prolonged, mild symptoms and is distinct from the immediate emergency situations described previously. Any symptoms that increase in intensity after the first day should also be reported to the gastroenterologist. Following all post-procedure instructions helps ensure a complete and safe recovery.