An endoscopist is a medical professional who performs endoscopic procedures, which involve using an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) to examine the inside of the body.

• Endoscopists can use endoscopes to look inside the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and other parts of the digestive tract.
• They can also use endoscopes to examine the lungs, urinary tract, and other parts of the body.
• The endoscopist can examine the inside of the body and take biopsies, remove polyps, and treat certain conditions with the help of the endoscope.

An endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope (a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) to examine the inside of the body. Endoscopies can be used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, bleeding, and polyps in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines
• Lung problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• Urinary tract issues such as bladder cancer and kidney stones
• Sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis
• Gynecological issues such as abnormal bleeding and polyps in the uterus.
• Endoscopy can also be used to take biopsies, remove polyps, and perform other treatments.

Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure and is often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home the same day. Recovery time is usually short and patients can resume normal activities soon after the procedure.

Endoscopy is typically recommended for people who are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a condition that can be diagnosed or treated with an endoscope. The specific age at which someone should start getting endoscopies will depend on their individual risk factors and the condition that is being screened for.

• For example, colon cancer screening is typically recommended to start at age 50 but may be recommended earlier for people with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.
• Similarly, an upper endoscopy may be recommended for people who have symptoms such as persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing, regardless of their age.
• It's important to discuss your individual risk factors and health concerns with your doctor to determine if endoscopy is appropriate for you and at what age you should start getting them.
• It's also important to note that endoscopy is not recommended for healthy people without symptoms as it carries some risk and is not always necessary.

You should consult an endoscopist if you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a condition that can be diagnosed or treated with an endoscope. Some common symptoms that may indicate the need for an endoscopy include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as persistent heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or rectal bleeding
• Lung symptoms such as persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Urinary symptoms such as blood in the urine or frequent urinary tract infections
• Sinus symptoms such as chronic sinusitis or recurrent nasal infections
• Gynecological symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain

If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult with your primary care physician or a specialist like Gastroenterologist, Pulmonologist, Urologist, or Gynecologist.

• First identify if an endoscopy is appropriate for you by the concerned person, and if so, refer you to an endoscopist for the procedure.
• It's also worth noting that in some cases, your doctor may recommend an endoscopy as a preventive measure, such as colon cancer screening, based on your age, family history, or other risk factors.
• It's important to keep in mind that endoscopies are not recommended for healthy people without symptoms as it carries some risks and is not always necessary.