Gastroscopy is an important means for the diagnosis of gastric diseases, and the shape, color, and lesions of the gastric mucosa can be intuitively observed through gastroscopy, which is of great significance for the early detection of gastric diseases. However, there are a few things that patients need to be aware of before having a gastroscopy, and one of the most important concerns is "can I eat before the gastroscopy".
Before undergoing a gastroscopy, patients need to follow certain diets and precautions to ensure the accuracy and safety of the examination. Generally, patients need to fast for more than 6-8 hours before gastroscopy, depending on the doctor's requirements. During the fasting period, the patient cannot eat any food, including drinks and water. This is because after eating, food debris and mucus will adhere to the gastric mucosa, affecting the accuracy of gastroscopy. At the same time, a large amount of gas will be produced in the stomach after eating, which can interfere with the gastroscopic observation and may even cause the gastroscope to be unable to enter the esophagus through the cardia.
In addition to fasting, patients need to pay attention to the following points before gastroscopy:
1.Avoid smoking: Smoking can increase gastric acid secretion, affect the shape and color of the gastric mucosa, and interfere with gastroscopy. Therefore, patients should avoid smoking before gastroscopy.
2.Discontinuation of medications: Some medications can affect the color and morphology of the gastric mucosa and interfere with gastroscopy. Therefore, patients should stop taking drugs that may affect the gastric lining before gastroscopy.
3.Relaxation: Although gastroscopy is a non-invasive, ** technique, some patients still feel nervous and uncomfortable. Patients should relax before the gastroscopy, follow the doctor's instructions, and cooperate with the examination.
In conclusion, patients should follow the doctor's instructions, fast for enough time, and avoid smoking and taking medications that may affect the gastric mucosa before getting a gastroscopy. At the same time, relax and cooperate with the doctor to perform a gastroscopy to ensure the accuracy and safety of the examination. Through gastroscopy, patients can better understand their stomach health and detect and ** stomach diseases in time.