When Should You Get an Endoscopy?
Medically reviewed by Dr. E. Vimalakar Reddy, Surgical Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad | Last reviewed: 24 June 2026
Quick answer: Consider an upper GI endoscopy if you have difficulty swallowing, long-standing heartburn or indigestion that doesn't improve with treatment, repeated vomiting, vomiting of blood or black stools, unexplained weight loss, or unexplained anaemia. It is a quick, usually painless test that lets a doctor look directly at your food pipe and stomach.
Symptoms that warrant an endoscopy
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Heartburn/acidity lasting weeks despite medication.
- Repeated vomiting, or vomiting blood.
- Black, tarry stools.
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Screening if you are at higher risk of GI cancer.
What to expect
A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to examine the oesophagus and stomach. It usually takes only a few minutes, is done with throat numbing or light sedation, and most people return home the same day. Biopsies (tiny tissue samples) may be taken painlessly if needed.
Related reading
Sources: WHO; ICMR / National Cancer Registry Programme. Disclaimer: For general awareness only; not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor about your symptoms.