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. We’re on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City (162 Apgujeong-ro), a short walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5.

Common GERD symptoms we assess

  • Heartburn (burning behind the breastbone), regurgitation
  • Throat symptoms: lump-in-throat, 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)
  • Point-of-care tests as indicated (stool occult blood, urinalysis to rule out other causes)
  • 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 (≥3 hrs before bed); elevate head of 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 or call 119 / 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 food 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)

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

At-home care (general guidance)

  • Eat smaller, earlier dinners; avoid lying down 3 hours after meals
  • Trial alginate/antacid after trigger meals or at bedtime as advised
  • Maintain sleep elevation 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

Hours & location

  • Mon/Thu/Fri: 10:00–19:00
  • Tue: 10:00–20:00
  • Sat: 10:00–16:00
  • Lunch: 13:00–14:00 (except Sat)
  • Closed: Wed & Sun

Address: 3F, VEI Clinic, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Beneheim City, near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)
Phone: 02-542-8275 / 010-5700-7597

What to bring

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

Why choose VEI Clinic Apgujeong

  • English-friendly reflux care with clear, stepwise plans
  • Correct medication timing + practical lifestyle coaching
  • Fast endoscopy/ENT referrals and insurance-ready English receipts