Endoscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, especially when compared to surgical interventions. However, like all medical procedures, it carries a small degree of risk.

Potential risks, though infrequent, include:
* Bleeding: This can occur during diagnostic, therapeutic, or biopsy procedures.
* Infection: The risk of infection is low for most endoscopic examinations and biopsies. However, it may increase if additional procedures are performed as part of the endoscopy. Most infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotics may be administered if you have a higher risk of infection.
* Perforation: In rare instances, a tear or perforation of the esophagus or another part of the upper gastrointestinal tract, leading to potential organ damage, may occur.
* Sedation Reaction: To ensure patient comfort during the procedure, sedation is typically administered before an upper endoscopy. While extremely rare, adverse reactions to the sedative agents are possible.

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms after an endoscopy:
* Chest pain
* Fever
* Persistent pain at the endoscopy site
* Shortness of breath
* Difficulty swallowing
* Severe and persistent abdominal pain
* Vomiting