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Esophagitis Center - Missoula, MT

Missoula Gastroenterologist Doctors for Esophagitis

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Missoula *

Western Montana Clinic
Elliot Morris
500 W Broadway
Missoula, MT 59807
(406) 721-5600

Gastroenterology Associates
James A Cain
601 W Spruce St
Garden City Professional Bldg STE K
Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 728-4160

Gastroenterology Associates
K J Curtis
601 W Spruce St
Garden City Professional Bldg STE K
Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 728-4160

Eric E Trevelline MD
Eric E Trevelline
2831 Fort Missoula Rd
Bldg 2 STE 303
Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 327-4685

Kalispell Gastroenterology
Craig Harrison
75 Claremont St
STE F
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 752-7441

Michael Boharski MD
Michael Boharski
430 Windward Way
STE 203
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 752-5553

Missoula, Montana

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Esophagitis

What Causes Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation in the esophagus. An infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or diseases that weaken the immune system. Infections that cause esophagitis include:

  • Candida. This is a yeast infection of the esophagus caused by the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections. The infection develops in the esophagus when the body's immune system is weak (such as in people with diabetes or HIV). It is usually very treatable with antifungal drugs.
  • Herpes. Like Candida, this viral infection can develop in the esophagus when the body's immune system is weak. It is treatable with antiviral drugs.

Irritation causing esophagitis may be caused by any of the following:

  • GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Vomiting
  • Surgery
  • Medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Taking a large pill with too little water or just before bedtime
  • Swallowing a toxic substance
  • Hernias
  • Radiation injury (after receiving radiation for cancer treatment)

What Are the Symptoms of Esophagitis?

Symptoms of esophagitis include:

  • Difficult and/or painful swallowing
  • Heartburn
  • Mouth sores
  • A feeling of something of being stuck in the throat
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible.

How Is Esophagitis Diagnosed?

Once your doctor has performed a thorough physical examination and reviewed your medical history, there are several tests that can be used to diagnose esophagitis. These include:

  • Upper endoscopy. A test in which a long, flexible lighted tube, called an endoscope, is used to look at the esophagus.
  • Biopsy. During this tes...

Recommended Reading Related to Esophagitis

Upper GI Series (Barium Swallow) »

What is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series?

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series (barium swallow), is a radiological test that is used to visualize the structures of the upper digestive system - the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. If it is desired to see the remaining parts of the small intestine, a small bowel series can be added to the test. These structures are seen during the examination, and the images are also are saved for further review on X-ray film or digital images. The results of an upper GI series can reveal conditions such as ulcers, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring, blockages, and abnormalities of the muscular wall of the gastrointestinal tissues.

What are the risks of an upper GI series?

Any x-ray test procedure involves some risk from radiation exposure. The radiation exposure is minimized by standard techniques that have been assigned and approved by national and international radiology ...

Emergency Contact for Missoula

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Missoula Hospitals *

St Patrick Hospital
500 W Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
(406)543-7271

Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd
Missoula, MT 59804
(406)728-4100

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