Gastroenterology

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI):

• Colon cancer occurs in women just as often as it does in men
• Most who are diagnosed with it have no family history of the disease
• Nearly 150,000 Americans are diagnosed each year

If you are 45 years old or older or have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, it may be time for a colonoscopy. This is the only test that can detect colon cancer before it spreads. When caught early, colon cancer has the potential to be very treatable.

We work to make colonoscopies convenient for you, doing everything possible to respect your privacy and overall comfort. Your colonoscopy should take less than 30 minutes, but you can plan to be in our facility for about two hours. We will administer a mild sedative or anesthesia and you can typically return to normal activity the next day.

Most insurance plans cover colonoscopies, including Medicare. If you are eligible for our direct screening colonoscopy program, you can book your test online without having to visit our office first. To learn more, call (208) 453-4205 to learn more.

While it is common to occasionally experiences gas, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation, these symptoms are typically not serious and go away on their own. However, when digestive issues affect your everyday life, they could be signs of larger problems, such as GERD.

GERD is a severe, chronic form of acid reflux occurring when the stomach contents regurgitate into the esophagus or mouth. Reflux is a normal process, and most episodes don’t cause lasting complications. Heartburn is one symptom of acid reflux that causes a burning sensation in the chest, but it usually fades quickly. It can, however, lead to more complex conditions if left untreated, including acid reflux, GERD or a hiatal hernia. GERD may affect the vocal cords and lungs, causing permanent damage to the esophagus.

When you have GERD, you may frequently experience intense or chronic symptoms, including:

• Bad breath
• Dry cough
• Earaches
• Feeling like there is a lump in your throat
• Frequent burping
• Hoarse voice
• Laryngitis
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Sudden increase in saliva
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Worsened asthma

Heartburn, however, may be defined by occasional symptoms such as:

• Burning in the chest, neck or jaw
• Chest pain after eating, bending over or lying down
• Hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat

Heartburn symptoms can often be relieved by eating foods that are low in acidity, taking over-the-counter medications or eating a few hours before sleeping. GERD, on the other hand, may require prescription medication or reflux surgery to fully eliminate symptoms.

If you are experiencing prolonged, uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, severe abdominal pain or a high fever that doesn't improve with medication, please seek emergency care as soon as possible.

The first step in restoring your digestive health is to let our specialists assess your existing symptoms. Our physicians use esophageal manometry or ambulatory 24-hour pH-Z monitoring tests to diagnose acid reflux. When medication or lifestyle changes are unable to properly manage your condition, we have GI and general surgery treatments that can help.