Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong is an English-friendly internal-medicine clinic that evaluates acid-related symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, chronic cough/hoarseness, bloating) and arranges the right test at the right time. In-clinic we perform history/exam, targeted labs and H. pylori testing; for specialized measurements (e.g., 24-hour esophageal pH-impedance or wireless Bravo pH), we coordinate with nearby gastroenterology centers and manage results with you.

What We Evaluate (tailored—no one-size-fits-all)

  • GERD/acid reflux (typical & atypical symptoms)
  • PPI-refractory symptoms (still symptomatic on acid suppressants)
  • Pre-procedure needs (e.g., before anti-reflux surgery or endoscopic fundoplication)
  • Dyspepsia/bloating and H. pylori concerns
  • Low/variable acid questions (we rule out unvalidated “at-home acid tests” and use clinical pathways instead)

Which Tests Are Used (and how we help)

In-Clinic / Same-Day or Partner Labs

  • H. pylori testing (stool antigen or urea breath test via partner lab)
  • Basic labs (CBC, iron, B12, CMP) to assess complications (e.g., anemia)
  • Therapeutic trials (time-limited PPI/H2RA algorithms with de-escalation plans)
  • Lifestyle & diet plan (meal timing, trigger mapping, sleep & elevation strategies)

Hospital/Endoscopy-Center (Referral & Coordination)

  • 24-hour Esophageal pH-Impedance Monitoring (catheter): quantifies acid and non-acid reflux; often used for refractory symptoms or pre-procedural confirmation.
  • Wireless “Bravo” pH Capsule (endoscopy-placed): measures esophageal acid exposure without a nasal catheter (typically 48–96 hours).
  • High-Resolution Manometry (when indicated): maps motility before certain procedures or when dysphagia is present.
  • pH measurement during endoscopy / gastric aspirate (select scenarios): limited role; we’ll advise if truly helpful.
We’ll recommend the least invasive test that actually changes your plan.

Who This Is For

  • Persistent heartburn/regurgitation despite optimized therapy
  • Atypical symptoms possibly related to reflux (chronic cough, throat clearing, hoarseness) after ENT/resp workup
  • Need to confirm reflux before surgery/procedures or long-term medication
  • Recurrent dyspepsia/bloating where H. pylori or other causes must be ruled out

Visit Flow (Typical)

  1. Baseline consult (20–30 min) – history, exam, meds/supplements review, red-flag screen
  2. Initial testing – H. pylori (breath/stool), targeted labs; begin a structured therapy trial if appropriate
  3. Decision point – if symptoms persist or documentation is required, we book pH/impedance (± manometry) with a GI partner
  4. Results & plan – plain-English summary, step-down/step-up meds, diet & sleep tactics, and when to recheck

Prep for pH Testing (you’ll get a printed checklist)

  • Your GI team will specify whether to test ON or OFF acid-suppressing meds:
  • OFF-therapy study (to diagnose reflux): usually stop PPIs ~7 days, H2 blockers ~48 hours, antacids ~24 hours before the test.
  • ON-therapy study (to evaluate refractory symptoms on PPIs): continue meds exactly as instructed.
  • Avoid on test day: very acidic/spicy or stain-heavy foods, large meals, and vigorous exercise (center-specific).
  • Keep a symptom/meal/position diary during monitoring; it’s essential for interpretation.
  • For Bravo capsule: you’ll need a brief endoscopy for placement; MRI restrictions may apply during monitoring window.

Do not stop prescription medication without clinician guidance—your plan will be individualized.

After Your Test

  • We correlate acid exposure time, reflux episodes, and symptom association probability with your diary.
  • Plans may include medication adjustment, lifestyle upgrades, ENT or pulmonary coordination, or GI referral for procedural options where appropriate.

Safety: When to Use the ER (don’t wait for a clinic)

  • Chest pain with sweating/shortness of breath, black/bloody stool, vomiting blood, persistent vomiting with dehydration, sudden difficulty swallowing with drooling, or severe unintentional weight loss.

What to Bring

  • Photo ID (passport/ARC)
  • Medication & supplement list (exact doses), especially acid suppressants/NSAIDs
  • Prior endoscopy, ENT, or imaging reports (PDF/photos welcomed)
  • Brief food/symptom log from the last 1–2 weeks (helps targeting)

Why VEI Clinic Apgujeong

  • Internal-medicine oversight with GI-aligned protocols
  • English-friendly instructions, reminders, and result summaries
  • Same-day H. pylori testing and fast coordination for specialty studies
  • Central Gangnam (Apgujeong/Sinsa) location near Apgujeong Station (Exit 5)

Location & Access

  • Address: Beneheim City, 3F, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
  • Subway: Apgujeong Station (Exit 5), short walk

Pricing & Transparency

  • You’ll receive a clear quote before any test. Costs vary by in-clinic testing vs hospital-based studies. Itemized English receipts available for reimbursement.

FAQs

Do you perform the pH probe in-clinic?
We evaluate and coordinate. Esophageal pH/impedance and Bravo studies are performed at partner GI centers; we manage prep and results.

Is there a true “stomach acid level” test?
Direct “gastric acid output” testing is rarely needed. Most patients are best served by pH/impedance (for reflux), H. pylori testing, and a structured medication plan.

How long is monitoring?
Catheter pH-impedance: ~24 hours. Bravo capsule: 48–96 hours depending on the center.

Can I work during the test?
Usually yes—avoid heavy exercise, follow eating/sleep instructions, and keep the diary.

What if symptoms are only at night?
We’ll ensure your diary captures sleep and position changes and discuss bed elevation, meal timing, and medication timing.

Booking (English-Friendly)

When booking, mention “Gastric pH / Reflux Testing Pathway at VEI Clinic Apgujeong (near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)” and share your symptoms, current meds, and any prior endoscopy or ENT reports.