An upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) allows a doctor to examine the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth for this examination. Because the procedure involves sedation and manipulation of the upper GI tract, the immediate recovery phase requires careful attention to safety and diet.
Immediate Post-Procedure Safety and Restrictions
The initial one to two hours following the procedure focus on recovering from the effects of sedation and numbing agents used in the throat. You must wait until the sedative effects have fully worn off and the gag reflex has returned before consuming anything. This prevents the risk of choking or aspiration. You will be monitored in a recovery area during this time.
Due to the lingering effects of the sedation medication, your judgment and reaction times will be impaired for a full day. You must have a responsible adult present to drive you home and supervise you for the first 24 hours. Operating heavy machinery, driving a vehicle, or making significant personal decisions are strictly prohibited during this 24-hour period.
The Initial Recovery Diet: Soft and Soothing Foods
Once you can swallow comfortably and the initial recovery period has passed, you should begin reintroducing substances with clear liquids to rehydrate your body gently. Examples include water, clear broth, and gelatin. After successfully tolerating clear liquids, you can gradually move to a soft, bland, and easily digestible diet for the remainder of the day.
The first meals should consist of small portions of foods that require minimal chewing and are gentle on the stomach lining. Excellent choices include applesauce, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, scrambled eggs, and plain yogurt. Consume foods and beverages at lukewarm or cool temperatures, as very hot items can irritate a throat that may be temporarily sore or scratchy from the endoscope’s passage.
Foods and Beverages to Strictly Avoid
For at least the first 24 hours, certain foods and drinks must be avoided because they can irritate the sensitive GI tract. Alcohol must be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours, as it interacts negatively with residual sedatives and irritates the digestive lining. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, should also be excluded because they can stimulate the stomach and exacerbate irritation.
Avoid highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomato-based products, and anything spicy, as these may cause discomfort to the stomach or esophagus. Tough or chewy meats and sharp-edged foods, like chips, nuts, or raw vegetables, can aggravate a sore throat or cause internal irritation. Carbonated beverages should also be omitted because the gas they contain can lead to uncomfortable bloating and cramping.
Signaling a Return to Normal Eating
The typical timeline for resuming a regular diet is within 24 to 48 hours, provided you feel well and have tolerated the soft-food progression. The primary indicator that your digestive system is ready is the absence of lingering symptoms from the procedure. A successful return to regular eating is signaled by the lack of throat pain, no feelings of nausea, and comfortable passing of gas or normal bowel movements.
When you feel ready, gradually reintroduce tougher and higher-fiber foods rather than consuming a large, complex meal immediately. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent difficulty swallowing, a fever, or any signs of bleeding. These symptoms are not typical of a routine recovery and may indicate a complication requiring medical attention.