5 Reasons Your Doctor Might Recommend a Gastroscopy

When you’re dealing with persistent digestive issues or unexplained discomfort in your upper abdomen, your doctor may suggest a procedure known as a gastroscopy. Though the thought of having a tube inserted down your throat may sound intimidating at first, a gastroscopy is a safe and effective diagnostic tool that can offer valuable insights into the state of your digestive system. But why exactly would your doctor recommend it?

This article explores five common reasons your doctor might believe a gastroscopy is necessary and what it can reveal about your health.

1. Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain or Discomfort

Chronic pain or discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen is one of the most frequent triggers for a gastroscopy referral. If you’ve been experiencing gnawing pain, bloating, or a burning sensation that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medications, your doctor may suspect a condition affecting your oesophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine.

A gastroscopy allows the doctor to directly view the lining of these organs and detect inflammation, ulcers, or any other structural abnormalities that could be causing your symptoms. This direct visual access provides much more accurate results than imaging tests alone.

2. Unexplained Nausea and Vomiting

While occasional nausea can be harmless and related to diet or minor illness, ongoing nausea or frequent vomiting can be a sign of a more serious issue. Your doctor might order a gastroscopy to check for blockages, strictures, or delayed gastric emptying—conditions that are not easily detectable with standard tests.

By using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, the procedure offers a close-up look at how well your upper digestive tract is functioning. Identifying the cause of nausea early allows for more targeted treatment and reduces the risk of complications such as dehydration or malnutrition.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux That Isn’t Improving

Many people experience occasional acid reflux, but when it becomes a frequent or severe problem—often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—it can lead to significant damage over time. If you’ve tried medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors with little relief, a gastroscopy might be the next logical step.

During the procedure, the doctor can assess the severity of the reflux damage, check for signs of inflammation or erosion, and rule out more serious conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus. These findings can guide further treatment, lifestyle changes, or even surgical options if needed.

4. Difficulty Swallowing or Food Getting Stuck

Trouble swallowing (known as dysphagia) is another red flag that typically warrants a gastroscopy. Whether you’re having pain while swallowing, feel like food is sticking in your chest, or are avoiding eating altogether, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms.

Dysphagia can be caused by anything from a narrowing of the oesophagus due to chronic acid reflux to tumours or growths obstructing the passage. A gastroscopy can help your doctor not only see the issue but also take tissue samples (biopsies) if necessary to determine the exact cause.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss or Anaemia

Unexpected weight loss or chronic fatigue due to low iron levels might signal internal bleeding or a malabsorption issue in your digestive tract. In such cases, your doctor may order blood tests first, but a gastroscopy is often needed to find the source of the problem.

If ulcers or lesions are found during the procedure, they can be treated or biopsied to rule out malignancy. In some cases, the gastroscopy itself can be therapeutic—for instance, if a bleeding vessel is found, it can be cauterised during the procedure to stop further blood loss.

What to Expect During a Gastroscopy

Understanding the procedure may ease some of your anxiety. A gastroscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll usually be given a sedative or throat spray to make the process more comfortable.

After the procedure, you may feel a little groggy or experience a sore throat, but these effects are temporary. Most patients can return to normal activities within a day. Importantly, the benefits of early and accurate diagnosis far outweigh the brief discomfort.

Conclusion

A gastroscopy isn’t something your doctor will recommend without good reason. Whether it’s chronic abdominal pain, unresolved nausea, or worrying symptoms like difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss, this procedure can provide crucial information that other tests simply can’t offer.

The ability to view and even treat issues in real-time makes it a powerful tool in the hands of skilled physicians. If your doctor suggests a gastroscopy, it’s a sign they want to get to the root of your symptoms with accuracy and care—ultimately helping you return to better health and peace of mind.