With the rise of delivery food, stimulating diets, and repetitive stress, an increasing number of people in Jangok-dong, Siheung, are experiencing heartburn, indigestion, and abnormal bowel movements. It is not uncommon for gastric conditions like gastritis, stomach ulcers, and esophagitis to occur alongside colon conditions. While stomach cancer and colon cancer often have few early symptoms, making self-detection difficult, they are among the most common cancers in Korea, making regular screenings crucial for early detection. Siheung Jangok-dong Internal Medicine manages digestive health by checking the stomach and colon simultaneously with upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Don't Dismiss These Symptoms as Mere Indigestion
If you experience persistent heartburn, bloating, nausea, or if constipation, bloody stools, or abdominal pain occur together, it may be more than simple indigestion.
- In cases where gastric conditions such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, or H. pylori infection are the cause.
- In cases where colon polyps, inflammation, or, rarely, early colon cancer are hidden.
H. pylori infection, in particular, often has almost no symptoms, making it difficult to detect on your own, and colon conditions also tend to have few noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making them easy to neglect. Therefore, Siheung Jangok-dong Internal Medicine recommends regular endoscopic examinations even for mild symptoms and focuses on early management.
What Do Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Check For?
| Category | Observation Range | What Can Be Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Endoscopy | Esophagus, stomach, duodenum lining | Inflammation, ulcers, polyps, presence of H. pylori infection |
| Colonoscopy | Entire colon | Polyps, inflammation, bleeding, tumors. Immediate removal possible if abnormalities are found |
Even small polyps, if left untreated for a long time, can progress to colon cancer, making regular preventive screenings important. We will guide you on whether a sedated endoscopy or a conventional endoscopy is suitable based on your condition. If you are curious about the examination procedure, you can check it in advance in our Examination Guide.
How to Determine the Examination Frequency
The frequency of examinations varies depending on your health status, family history, and lifestyle. The general guidelines are as follows:
- Age 40 and above: Upper endoscopy once every two years
- Age 50 and above: Regular check-ups including colonoscopy
- If there is a family history or persistent symptoms: Examination is possible regardless of age
Siheung Jangok-dong Internal Medicine schedules check-up appointments considering age and symptoms, and helps you receive them conveniently in conjunction with national health check-up items.
Reducing Missed Areas with AI Endoscopy
Siheung Jangok-dong Internal Medicine has introduced AI endoscopy equipment to analyze and mark lesions in the stomach and colon in real-time. This allows for the detection of even subtle changes that are difficult to identify with the naked eye, aiding in the early discovery of abnormal findings. If a biopsy or additional check-ups are needed after the examination, they can be performed immediately, and personalized guidance is provided on lifestyle improvements, dietary management, and exercise methods. A single endoscopic examination can serve as an opportunity to check your overall health status.
Before and After the Examination: How to Prepare
Endoscopic examinations are crucial for not only identifying diseases but also for early detection and prevention. You will receive step-by-step guidance, including fasting the day before the examination, adjusting medications, and getting sufficient rest afterward, so the burden is not significant. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy can be performed together on the same day, and meticulous care continues from pre-examination consultation to post-examination management. Since result interpretation and the recovery process can vary by individual, it is advisable to follow the post-examination instructions carefully.
Consistent check-ups and proper lifestyle management are reliable ways to protect your future health. Siheung Jangok-dong Internal Medicine will be a partner in digestive health for residents of Siheung, including Jangok-dong and Neunggok-dong. Checking our Clinic Hours before your visit will make scheduling your check-up much easier.
If you have any questions, feel free to inquire via chat
Dr. Kim Seonhoo (Specialist in Gastroenterology, Specialist in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) · Meet Our Medical Team · Last reviewed 2026-08-06