An upper endoscopy in Los Angeles is used to examine and sometimes treat conditions that affect the inside of the upper part of the digestive system. Although an upper endoscopy in Los Angeles is a safe procedure, many patients still worry that they might experience complications such as bleeding, infection, and tearing of the gastrointestinal tract.          

How to Get Ready for an Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

Preparation is key to complete the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles safely. Although the complications are rare, it is still best to follow the doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of encountering any problems during and after the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. Here are some of the things physicians usually advise their patients when preparing for an upper endoscopy in Los Angeles.

• Discuss Your Medical Conditions Before the Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

Inform your physician if you are pregnant or have health conditions before undergoing upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. This can help the doctor take necessary measures to avoid any possible complications and perform the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles safely. You might receive sedative medication to relax your body; so, the doctor should inform you how this can affect your conditions.

• Mention Your Medications That Might Affect the Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

Some medications may interfere with the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles; that is why you should tell your doctor about the prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines you are taking. Your physician may advise you to reduce your dosage or completely stop taking these drugs before undergoing an upper endoscopy in Los Angeles to make sure no complications occur.

You might also be instructed to avoid blood-thinning medications and antidepressants prior to your upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. The former can increase bleeding, while the latter can affect your response to the sedatives during the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles.

• Avoid Taking Liquids and Solid Food Before the Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

Doctors generally tell their patients to stop drinking and eating four to eight hours before their scheduled upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. Fasting is necessary to keep the stomach empty. This is needed to make sure neither food nor liquid gets into the lungs and causes aspiration during the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. Consult your doctor for specific instructions.        

• Arrange Your Schedule for a Complete Recovery After the Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

You might experience mild discomfort in your throat right after the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. The medicine may also take time to wear off, so you need to make sure you have not set any immediate appointment post-diagnosis. Full recovery may also take a while; that’s why it is wise to take time off work and postpone other events.          

• Have Someone Bring You Home After the Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

During the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles, a narcotic and sedative may be given to make sure you are relaxed and ready for the procedure. These may cause you to feel sleepy; so, you should not drive right after the upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. Have someone you trust to pick you up or drive for you to make sure you go home safely.

Choose the Center for GI Health for Your Upper Endoscopy in Los Angeles

If you plan to undergo upper endoscopy in Los Angeles, turn to the Center for GI Health. Our widely recognized physician is a double board-certified doctor in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, specializing in disorders of the digestive system and gastrointestinal diseases. We perform hemorrhoid banding, colonoscopy, breath testing, and upper endoscopy in Los Angeles, to name a few.

Our patients are our priority, so we only provide excellent medical services at our comfortable and state-of-the-art facilities. Let us help you feel better. Contact our friendly staff for questions and concerns about upper endoscopy in Los Angeles. You may also visit our website to request an appointment.  

Award-Winning Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles

Experiencing a burning sensation in your gut area can be uncomfortable, especially if this occurs on a regular basis. It’s best to have this condition checked by a trusted gastroenterologist like Dr. Arash Ari Nowain at the Center for GI Health in Beverly Hills, LA. Dr. Nowain is double-board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and specializes in disorders of the digestive system.

Who We Are

The Center for GI Health specializes in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, such as cancer of the intestinal tract. As a micropractice, we have the independence and control over how we treat our patients. Our gastroenterologist is capable of making critical decisions that can deliver the personal care you deserve.

With our GI specialist, you are sure to be in good hands. We treat each of our patients with compassion and understanding of their health and well-being. Our goal is to provide you with the right treatment based on your individual needs. We also have a professional staff that’s ready to give you a warm and comfortable experience.

What We Do

At our center, we offer innovative treatment options and in-depth patient care. Our owner-operated medical facility is equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies for the diagnosis of various conditions in the GI area. Below are the medical services we offer: 

• In-Depth Medical Consultation

We limit the number of patients we see every day to allocate the adequate time needed for an in-depth consultation. Our specialist will properly diagnose your symptoms to know which care is best for your condition. A one-on-one appointment with our gastroenterologist is approximately 30-45 minutes long to cover workups and treatment.

• Colonoscopy

Our GI doctor will put you under sedation to examine the lower part of your gastrointestinal tract with an endoscope that has a light and camera. This tool is slowly inserted through the anus and can reach your large intestine. The scope can also remove abnormal tissues like colon polyps to prevent them from progressing into cancer.

With a colonoscopy, we can also detect the cause of other bowel symptoms such as bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Each examination runs for only 30 minutes.

• Upper Endoscopy or EGD

This non-surgical procedure also uses an endoscope, which is inserted through the mouth to inspect the upper part of your GI tract. With this examination, we can help detect esophagus and stomach cancers and prevent them from progressing. The EGD is usually done within 10-15 minutes. 

• Capsule Endoscopy

For non-invasive GI diagnosis, our facility uses the PillCam to examine the small intestine for issues like Crohn’s disease. With this innovative treatment, we can also identify disorders which include bleeding of the small bowel, Celiac disease, tumors, polyps, and ulcerations. 

• Hemorrhoid Banding

Our doctor will do a three-step process to accurately diagnose the location and severity of the hemorrhoid. For internal ones, we can do a banding ligation, which is surgery-free and causes little to no pain. External hemorrhoids will be treated with prescription medications to rid you of the symptoms and prevent them from coming back. 

• Breath Test

With this simple procedure, we will be able to measure the gasses produced by intestinal bacteria that can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. We offer hydrogen, lactose, fructose, and lactulose breath tests. Each examination will take less than 15 minutes, and you’ll be able to get the results immediately.

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Nowain Today

If you are looking for a trusted specialist who can do efficient and cutting-edge examination and treatment of diseases concerning the gastrointestinal tract, contact the Center for GI Health. We aim to help you feel better, which is why we can spend as much time as needed to accurately diagnose and effectively treat your condition.

Give our Beverly Hills gastroenterologist a call today at 310-657-4444 to make an appointment or to learn more information about our available services. See you at our center!