Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease tackled in lecture series

NAGA CITY --- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) was the subject of the talk of Dr. Millicent Grace S. Bombase, a gastroenterologist, during the 7th session of the Peñafrancia Fellowship Elderly Health Lecture Series, a project co-sponsored by Tomasinong Bikolano, last November 25 at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish Hall here. The disease, Dr. Bombase explained, may start with what is commonly known as Acid Reflux which symptoms may include heartburns, feeling of a lump in the throat, frequent belching, and bitter or sour taste. Rapid relief of GERD at this early stage, she said, may include common antacids and certain lifestyle modifications. Alarming symptoms, she continued, may include bleeding in the stomach, dark or black stool, and/or difficulty swallowing, persistent/incessant vomiting, and unexplained weight loss, among others. At such stage, she recommended Endoscopy to find out the cause of the above symptoms as there may signal progression to cancer. Lecturer Bombase was introduced by her mother, Dr. Marimil S. Bombase, incumbent president of Tomasinong Bikolano. The lecture was preceded by the para-liturgy presided over by Fellowship Spiritual Director Fr. Rey Jose F. Rellora, followed by the oath-taking of Mrs. Lucy Maristaza as a new member of the Fellowship Executive Board.