GERD Reflux Clinic

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong provides English-friendly evaluation and treatment for GERD (acid reflux)—from burning in the chest to chronic throat irritation and cough.

Common GERD Symptoms We Assess

• Heartburn (burning behind the breastbone), regurgitation
• Throat symptoms: a lump-in-the-throat feeling, hoarseness, chronic cough
• After-meal chest discomfort, sour taste on waking
• Nighttime reflux, sleep disturbance, symptoms after spicy/fatty foods, coffee, alcohol

What We Do During Your Visit

• Focused history & exam (diet, timing of symptoms, meds, red flags)
• Laboratory panels if needed: CBC, CMP/LFTs, H. pylori testing when appropriate
• Trial therapy plan: antacid/alginate, H2 blocker, or PPI with correct timing
• Referrals when warranted: upper endoscopy, barium swallow, ENT or GI
• Diet & lifestyle roadmap (printable English handout)

First-Line Treatment (How We Personalize It)

• Medication timing:
• PPI: typically 30–60 min before breakfast (and/or dinner if prescribed)
• H2 blocker: evening or as advised for breakthrough symptoms
• Alginate/antacid: after meals/at bedtime for quick relief
• Lifestyle pillars: smaller meals; avoid late eating (stop ≥3 hrs before bed); elevate the head of the bed; limit alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, very spicy/fatty meals; review smoking and weight goals.
• Follow-up: we reassess at 2–6 weeks and adjust the plan (step-up/step-down, add-ons, or referrals).

When to Consider Testing or Referral

• Symptoms >8 weeks despite correct meds/lifestyle
• Atypical symptoms (predominant cough/hoarseness) or diagnostic uncertainty
• Alarm signs (see below)
• Planning long-term therapy and needing baseline evaluation

Red Flags — Go to an ER, Call 119, or Seek Urgent Specialist Review

• Chest pain with exertion, sweating, or radiating to arm/jaw (rule out heart disease)
• Trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain or high fever with confusion

How to Prepare (If You Can)

• Bring a medication/supplement list (include antacids, PPIs/H2 blockers, NSAIDs)
• Note foods and timing that trigger symptoms; photos of prior test results help
• If an H. pylori breath test is likely, ask if you should pause PPIs/antibiotics beforehand

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Check-in & history → symptom timeline, diet, triggers, prior meds
• Exam & targeted tests → H. pylori if appropriate
• Plan → medication timing, lifestyle sheet, follow-up window
• Referrals → endoscopy/ENT/GI if criteria met; English summary provided

At-Home Care (General Guidance)

• Eat smaller, earlier dinners; avoid lying down for 3 hours after meals
• Try an alginate/antacid after trigger meals or at bedtime as advised
• Keep the head of your bed elevated and address weight/smoking factors where relevant
• If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, contact us or seek urgent care

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by consult length, tests, and any referrals
• Most visitors pay upfront and use itemized English receipts for insurance claims
• Ask for a written quote before testing or endoscopy referrals

What to Bring

• Passport/ID and a Korean phone number (if any)
• Medication & allergy list, prior GI labs/endoscopy if available
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim