Endoscopy Explained: What It Is, Why It’s Done & When You Might Need One
The thought of getting an endoscopy can feel intimidating — after all, who wants a tube inside their body? But truth be told, an endoscopy is a simple, safe, and often life-saving procedure that helps doctors look inside your digestive tract without any cuts or major surgeries. Whether you’re struggling with acidity, unexplained stomach pain, or frequent vomiting, an endoscopy could be the key to finally understanding what’s going on inside. What is an Endoscopy? An endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip — called an endoscope — to view the internal parts of your digestive system. The procedure is typically used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). There are different types, such as: Upper GI Endoscopy : Through the mouth to view esophagus/stomach Colonoscopy : Through the rectum to view the colon Sigmoidoscopy : Checks the lower part of the colon Why Mi...