It is often difficult for parents to accept a doctor’s mention of a gastroscopy for their child during a visit to the doctor. However, if the following questions are understood, it may help parents’ decision. 1.Why should I have a gastroscopy? Gastroscopy can provide a more visual understanding of the condition of the esophagus, stomach and part of the duodenum, such as: whether there is inflammation, erosion and bleeding in these areas, whether there is tumor growth, whether there is reflux of stomach acid and bile into the esophagus, whether there are anatomical abnormalities, whether there is stricture and obstruction, etc. For example, if there is bleeding in the stomach or duodenum, gastroscopy can help to stop the bleeding by direct pressure on the bleeding area or to stop the bleeding by spraying or injecting drugs or titanium clips through the gastroscope. Esophageal strictures from various causes can be dilated by gastroscopy. Children with cirrhosis and esophageal varices can be prevented from repeated bleeding by injecting drugs through gastroscopy. In addition, some children who have accidentally swallowed foreign bodies can be removed by gastroscopy within a short period of time. If a child has long-term recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting, unexplained wasting, unexplained anemia, black stools, etc., he or she needs to consult a doctor and obtain the doctor’s guidance for gastroscopy. 2.Can gastroenterography replace gastroscopy? Gastroenterography and gastroscopy cannot be substituted for each other because they have different emphases. You need to consult your doctor to find out which test is most appropriate for your child. 3.Is gastroscopy painful? During gastroscopy, the mirror enters the stomach through the mouth, so there may be a transient feeling of nausea when the doctor enters the mirror, which will be relieved soon. After entering the mirror, there may be some abdominal distension, which will also be relieved soon. The doctor will give local anesthesia to the throat before the gastroscopy. 4.What should I pay attention to before and after the examination? Do not eat a meal before the examination. Fasting for 1 hour after the operation, and 2 hours after the operation if the biopsy is performed for pathological examination. There may be more gas and hiccups after the examination. But it will be relieved soon. 5.How old can a child be for gastroscopy? Gastroscopy can be performed on children from newborn to 16 years old.