How long should I fast in advance for gastroscopy during physical examination?

Physical examination and gastroscopy require fasting for 6-8 hours in advance. Fasting before gastroscopy is to ensure that there is no food residue in the stomach, avoid the risk of vomiting or aspiration during the examination, and ensure clear vision. The regular fasting time is 6-8 hours, which needs to be adjusted according to the examination time. If scheduled for examination in the morning, it is recommended not to eat again after dinner the day before and to drink a small amount of water; If you check in the afternoon, you can eat digestible food such as rice porridge for breakfast, and then fast. The water ban time is usually 2-4 hours, but it is necessary to follow medical advice. Special groups such as diabetes patients need to communicate with the doctor about the fasting plan in advance. Three days before the examination, avoid drinking alcohol, spicy and stimulating foods, and high fiber foods to reduce gastric mucosal irritation. On the day of the examination, avoid smoking to avoid stimulating gastric acid secretion and affecting observation. Fasting is still required within 2 hours after gastroscopy examination. After the numbness in the throat disappears, warm water can be consumed first. If there is no discomfort, gradually return to a light diet.

Avoid driving or fine handling within 24 hours after the examination, as anesthesia may affect reaction ability. If symptoms such as persistent chest pain, vomiting blood, or fever occur, seek medical attention immediately. For those with long-term stomach discomfort, it is recommended to regularly undergo gastroscopy and further evaluate in combination with helicobacter pylori testing.