An upper gastrointestinal--or GI--endoscopy is a test that lets your doctor look at the inside of your child's esophagus and stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.

Before the procedure, your child probably won't be able to eat or drink for a short time.

Your child will get medicine to prevent pain and to relax.

Your child won't feel or remember the procedure.

The doctor will put a thin, flexible tube--called a scope--in your child's mouth and gently move it down the throat into your child's stomach.

Your child will be able to breathe normally.

The doctor can check to see what's causing belly pain or trouble swallowing or look for signs of problems, such as acid backing up into the esophagus or bleeding in the stomach.

The doctor may also use the scope to take a sample of tissue to be tested, called a biopsy, or take out growths or stop bleeding.

The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Unless your child needs to stay in the hospital, you'll probably be able to take your child home after the medicines wear off and your doctor has checked for any problems, usually after 1 to 2 hours.

After the procedure, your child may be sleepy at first and may have a sore throat for a day or two.

Encourage your child to get plenty of rest the first day after going home.

Your child should be able to go back to normal activities on the day after the test.