How do you stay calm during an endoscopy?

Relaxation Techniques

Having something else to think about during the procedure itself can also help. You might want to try reciting the multiplication tables in your head, visualising yourself in your favourite location, or remembering the words of your favourite songs.

How do you not gag during an endoscopy?

“However, the discomfort related to gagging during an endoscopic procedure can be avoided, particularly by numbing the back of the throat and using sedatives,” said Dr. Perino. “As long as you are adequately sedated, you will not gag.”

Should I be nervous about an endoscopy?

It's normal to be nervous before your endoscopy but knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on what to do, and what not to do, during that period leading up to your procedure.

What sedatives do they use for endoscopy?

Ideal drugs for endoscopic sedation have a rapid onset and short duration of action, maintain hemodynamic stability, and do not cause major side effects. Commonly used agents include opiates, such as meperidine or fentanyl, benzodiazepines, such as midazolam or diazepam, or a hypnotic, such as propofol.

Is endoscopy without sedation painful?

I served in a very active military unit and well versed in coping with pain and discomfort, but having enured the examination by endoscope without spray or total sedation I can say it was a most painful and distressing experience.

Endoscopy Introduction - The Patient Journey

Can you choke during an endoscopy?

The endoscope camera is very slim and slippery and will slide pass the throat into the food pipe (oesophagus) easily without any blockage to the airways or choking. There is no obstruction to breathing during the procedure, and patients breathe normally throughout the examination.

How long are you asleep for an endoscopy?

During the Endoscopy

Next, a mouth guard will be placed in your mouth so that the endoscope will not damage your teeth. At this point, if you are receiving sedation, you will start to be sleepy and will most likely remain asleep throughout the procedure, which generally takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

How strong is sedation for endoscopy?

The usual total dose for GI endoscopy is 2 to 10 mg. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid agonist with powerful analgesic but only mild sedative properties, is highly lipid soluble and 80 times more potent than morphine. The usual total dose is 50 to 200 µg.

Can I be awake for an endoscopy?

It's not needed for a standard upper endoscopy. You may be awake during the procedure. But you will take medicine to relax you (a sedative) before the test. Someone will have to drive you home afterward.

How do they sedate you for an upper endoscopy?

Usually, sedation is given by intravenous injection in the examination room immediately before the test begins. There are many sedatives and relaxants in use for this purpose. Occasionally, a fast acting oral or sub-lingual (under tongue) pill is given sometime before the procedure.

Are endoscopes scary?

Some patients unreasonably dread these exams, but endure them quite easily. While other patients aren't afraid of the exam at all, follow the instructions, but their vomiting reflex is so strong that it makes the procedure more difficult to perform. Such patients receive a short-term intravenous anaesthesia.

What happens if you vomit during endoscopy?

If you vomit during the test and some of the vomit enters your lungs, aspiration pneumonia is a possible risk. An irregular heartbeat may happen during the test. But it almost always goes away on its own without treatment. The risk of problems is higher in people who have serious heart disease.

How do I get rid of my gag reflex fast?

Does endoscopy hurt afterwards?

After the endoscopy

Once you're at home, you may experience some mildly uncomfortable signs and symptoms after endoscopy, such as: Bloating and gas. Cramping. Sore throat.

How long does it take for sedation to wear off after endoscopy?

You will stay for up to 2 hours while the effects of the anesthesia and sedative wear off. You will also need a ride home. Anesthesia and sedatives can temporarily affect your reaction time and judgment. The health care team will tell you how soon you can eat and drink.

What should you not do before an endoscopy?

Nothing to eat or drink at least 8 hours before the procedure. Medication can be taken 4 hours before examination with little sips of water. DO NOT TAKE ANY ANTACIDS OR CARAFATE BEFORE THE PROCEDURE or any of the medications mentioned. Wear loose comfortable clothing.

What does light sedation feel like?

The most common feelings are drowsiness and relaxation. Once the sedative takes effect, negative emotions, stress, or anxiety may also gradually disappear. You may feel a tingling sensation throughout your body, especially in your arms, legs, hands, and feet.

What happens if you drink water before an endoscopy?

Aspiration occurs when food or liquid gets into the lungs. This can happen if you eat or drink before the procedure. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions about fasting to prevent this complication.

How long does it take for propofol to wear off after endoscopy?

The elimination half-life of propofol is approximately 0.5 h to 1.5 h. This drug has a very fast clearance and therefore can be administered as a continuous infusion or as multiple boluses without any accumulative effects.

Can you cough during an endoscopy?

Conclusion: Cough occurs commonly during endoscopy and 3% of patients had protracted cough. Cough is more common in patients who are non-smokers, undergoing upper endoscopic procedures, receiving propofol, having long procedures, who develop hiccoughs, or who are rotated supine.

Does squeezing your thumb turn off gag?

Getting over your gag reflex is most commonly attempted through this method: a tough thumb-squeeze. Widely circulated online, this trick is one that has its roots in science. As Lifehacker reports, a strong gag reflex can be countered and distracted by encircling your left thumb in a fist—and it works quickly.

Does numbing spray stop gag?

— Topical anesthetic.

Applied to the soft palate with a Q-tip, topical anesthetic can numb the area enough to temporarily suppress the gag reflex. Spray Chloraseptic works the same way.

Does throat numbing spray help with gag reflex?

A throat spray with numbing action, such as Vicks Ultra Chloraseptic Throat Spray (an over-the-counter product) can also relieve the gag reflex. Two or three sprays right before dental treatment lasts about an hour.

Do you get results immediately after endoscopy?

In most cases the endoscopist will be able to tell you the results straight after the test or, if you have been sedated, as soon as you are awake, and you will receive a copy of the endoscopy report to take home. However, if a sample (biopsy) has been taken for examination the results may take a few weeks.

Can you refuse endoscopy?

At any point during the procedure you can withdraw your consent and ask for the procedure to stop. If this happens the endoscopist will stop the test and take the scope out.