Which is more uncomfortable, bronchoscopy or gastroscopy?

Bronchoscopy is an interventional testing and treatment method mainly used to detect human lung bronchial diseases, and is often used to observe human lobar bronchial lesions. Since bronchoscopy requires inserting a long bronchoscope into the lower respiratory tract through the mouth or nose of a person for detection and treatment, it will cause discomfort to the patient to a certain extent. Gastroscopy is also a means of combining interventional detection and treatment, and it will also cause various discomforts to patients. If you are highly sensitive to pain, you can choose to undergo painless bronchoscopy or gastroscopy.

1. The process of bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is performed using a bronchoscope with a diameter of about 0.6 cm. After local anesthesia of the throat, it is inserted through (1) the mouth, (2) the nose, or (3) the tracheostomy opening. Therefore, you will not feel anything during a bronchoscopy, except that you may feel like you are about to suffocate. The length of time generally depends on the proficiency of the operating technician. If everything goes well, the examination can be completed in about half an hour. Bronchoscopy uses a bronchoscope with a diameter of about 0.6 cm. After local anesthesia of the throat, it is inserted through the mouth. There is a feeling of suffocation, but it is tolerable. You need to fast for at least four hours before the examination to avoid choking and pneumonia during the operation. The patient is not allowed to speak during the operation to avoid injuring the vocal cords, but if he or she feels uncomfortable or has chest pain during the operation, he or she can raise his or her hand to indicate so. Active cooperation is recommended.

2. The process of gastroscopy

Do not eat or drink water for at least 8 hours before the examination. Food in the stomach can easily affect the doctor's diagnosis and cause nausea and vomiting in the subject. To reduce throat discomfort, medical staff will spray anesthetic on the patient's throat 3 minutes before the examination. First put on loose clothes, lie on your left side with your legs slightly bent. When the doctor inserts the gastroscope through the plastic device in the patient's mouth, the patient should relax his whole body and swallow slightly to allow the gastroscope to pass smoothly through the throat and into the esophagus. There will be a few seconds of pain and nausea when the liquid passes through the throat. This is the most uncomfortable moment during gastroscopy. When the doctor is making a diagnosis, do not swallow. Instead, breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth to ensure a smooth examination. Some people may feel bloated and nauseated because air enters the stomach through the tube. If you feel any pain or discomfort, signal the medical staff and do not grab the tube or make any noise. Do not eat within 1 to 2 hours after the examination. If your throat does not feel uncomfortable, you can drink water first. If you do not choke, you can eat soft food first to prevent rough food from causing bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. Some people may experience a brief sore throat and foreign body sensation, which usually recovers in 1 to 2 days.

3. Ordinary gastroscopy and painless gastroscopy

There are two types of gastroscopy, ordinary gastroscopy and painless gastroscopy. The two processes are basically the same, and generally last about 20 minutes, depending on the disease. Painless gastroscopy takes a little longer because it requires anesthesia. Ordinary gastroscopy will cause some gastrointestinal discomfort (not painful, but mainly choking, nausea, and drooling), and is suitable for young patients. Painless gastroscopy feels better, but it carries the risk of anesthesia, so both have their pros and cons and should be weighed.