Indigestion is common and generally can be treated with over-the-counter medications or changing your diet. However, if frequent enough, indigestion can be a sign of a more serious problem that requires medical attention.

If you experience reoccurring and irritating symptoms associated with indigestion, your doctor may order more extensive testing to better evaluate the cause or develop a treatment plan. Inland Imaging offers several imaging tests to help with pinpointing the source of indigestion.

Procedures

X-ray/Fluoroscopy

During a fluoroscopy X-ray exam, you will be asked to drink a liquid (barium) that coats the walls and fills the hollows of your digestive tract.  

During fluoroscopy, the barium  coating shows a silhouette of the shape and condition of your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine (duodenum) on the images.

The test can evaluate if indigestion is the result of more serious problems such as a hiatal hernia, esophageal narrowing, stricture, or growth development.

Fluoroscopy with barium is used to better contrast the outline of the GI tract, with areas of concern appearing white on the x-ray images. It helps to visualize problem areas and can indicate difficulties with swallowing (dysphagia) or digestion, ulcerations, malignancy or structural abnormalities.