Upper GI Endoscopy Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have upper GI endoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestine
• Infection
• Respiratory depression (reduced breathing rate and/or depth)
• Reaction to sedatives or anesthesia

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Age: 60 or older
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Smoking , alcoholism , or drug use
• Malnutrition
• Recent illness
• Diabetes
• Heart or lung problems
• Bleeding disorders
• Use of certain medicines

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Severe abdominal pain
• Hard, swollen abdomen
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Any change or increase in your original symptoms
• Bloody or black tarry colored stools
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Bleeding

In case of emergency, call 911.