Ferritin

Tick bites occur when a tick attaches itself to your skin to feed on your blood. You may not even notice the bite unless you find the tick still attached. While the bite itself is often painless, it can transmit dangerous infections. What are ticks? Ticks are tiny, wingless parasites—some as small as a poppy seed. Found in wooded or grassy areas, they latch onto people or animals and feed for hours or days. They burrow their heads into the skin, and as they feed, their bodies swell. Why are tick bites dangerous? While not every tick bite leads to illness, ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your bloodstream during feeding. Tick-Borne Diseases Ticks can spread several serious illnesses, including: •Lyme disease (most common in the U.S.) •Anaplasmosis •Babesiosis •Ehrlichiosis •Rocky Mountain spotted fever •Tick paralysis •Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy) •Tularemia •Powassan virus And so on. What are the symptoms of a tick-borne illness? Common signs include: •Fever or chills •Muscle aches •Fatigue •Headache •Rash (bullseye or red/purple spots) •Nausea, vomiting •Swollen lymph nodes •Red meat allergy If you’ve been in tick-prone areas and develop symptoms, inform your healthcare provider—even if you didn’t see a tick. What to do if you find a tick biting you? 1.Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 2.Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to your skin and pull gently. Avoid squeezing the body. 3.Take a photo or save the tick in a sealed container for identification. 4.Wash the area again thoroughly. 5.Contact a healthcare provider, especially if you develop symptoms or aren’t sure how long the tick was attached. When should you seek medical care? Contact your provider if: •The tick was attached for hours or appears swollen •You develop a rash or flu-like symptoms •The bite becomes painful, swollen, or blistered You can reduce your risk of tick bites with the following steps: •Avoid tall grass and woods. On hikes, stick to the center of cleared trails. •Use tick repellent. •Cover your skin: Wear long pants, sleeves, and socks when in tick-prone areas to minimize skin exposure. •Check yourself for ticks: Look closely at common hiding spots—like your scalp, underarms, and behind knees. Have someone help check hard-to-see areas. •Inspect your pets: Ticks can enter your home via pets. Check them regularly after outdoor time, and ask your vet about preventive treatments. •Plan for travel: Before visiting areas where tick-borne diseases are common, consult a travel health clinic or the CDC. A vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis may be recommended.

Gallbladder polyps are abnormal tissue growths that project from the inner lining of the gallbladder. These growths vary in type and composition. While most are non-cancerous, some can be associated with other gallbladder conditions or, in rare cases, cancer.What are the different types of gallbladder polyps? •Pseudopolyps (Cholesterol polyps): These result from cholesterol buildup (cholesterolosis) and are benign. •Inflammatory polyps: Formed due to chronic inflammation in the gallbladder, such as in cholecystitis. •Adenomyomatosis: A non-cancerous overgrowth of the gallbladder lining that can form small cysts within the wall. •Adenomas: Benign tumors made up of cells resembling those in the bile ducts. These carry a small (0.5%) chance of turning cancerous. •Malignant polyps: These are cancerous, most commonly a type called adenocarcinoma. Symptoms and causes of gallbladder polyp; Gallbladder polyps often do not cause any symptoms and are typically found incidentally during imaging tests like ultrasounds. However, in some cases, polyps can block the flow of bile, leading to inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), bile ducts (cholangitis), or pancreas (pancreatitis). Possible symptoms of such inflammation include: •Abdominal pain •Fever •Nausea and vomiting •Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) In rare cases, these symptoms could also suggest gallbladder cancer. What are the risk factors for gallbladder polyps? You may be at higher risk if you have: •Gallstones •Cholecystitis •Cholangitis •Hepatitis B •Familial Adenomatous Polyposis •Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome •High cholesterol •Age over 50 Diagnosis and Monitoring Unfortunately, it's not possible to determine whether a polyp is cancerous without surgically removing the gallbladder, as the polyps cannot be removed independently. Therefore, healthcare providers evaluate your symptoms and risk profile before deciding on surgery. Can gallbladder polyps go away on their own? No, gallbladder polyps do not disappear naturally. In fact, they tend to increase in size or number over time. Surgery is the only way to remove them. If you’ve been diagnosed with a gallbladder polyp, it’s important to follow up with a gastroenterologist. Early evaluation can help manage risks and avoid complications. You can find experienced gastroenterologists at Dalimed Medical Center, where timely care makes all the difference.

What is influenza and how does it affect you? Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a widespread respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It typically brings on symptoms like fever, body and headaches, coughing, and nasal congestion or a runny nose. While many people recover at home, those with pre-existing health conditions or individuals who are pregnant face a higher risk of serious complications. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. What’s the difference between the flu and a cold? Even though the flu and the common cold share some similar symptoms—like coughing and a runny nose—there are key differences. Cold symptoms are usually mild and develop gradually, while flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and are more intense. Another important difference is that they’re caused by different viruses, so they’re not the same illness. How can you tell if it’s the flu or COVID-19? Since the flu and COVID-19 often look alike symptom-wise, the only reliable way to know which one you have is by getting tested. Both viruses can cause serious illness and spread easily, but they come from different virus families and require different treatments. That’s why proper testing is important before starting any medication or care plan. What are the common symptoms of the flu? Flu symptoms tend to show up quickly and can vary from person to person. Common signs include: •Fever •Chills •Body aches •Cough •Headache •Sore throat •Runny or stuffy nose •Tiredness or feeling run down •Diarrhea or vomiting (usually in children) It’s important to note that not everyone will have every symptom, but having several at once is typical. Is the flu contagious and how does it spread? Yes, the flu spreads easily from person to person. An infected individual typically passes it on to one or two others. The virus travels in droplets that come out when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in someone else’s mouth or nose, or be inhaled directly into the lungs. The flu can also spread through touch—like shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, or desks—and then touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth. How can you manage flu symptoms at home? Most people can treat flu symptoms at home using simple self-care methods and over-the-counter products. It’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water or broths. Heat packs or warm baths can help soothe aching muscles. To manage fever and aches, you can take pain relievers and fever reducers. Nasal decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose, while cough remedies can reduce coughing and help you feel more comfortable. If you’re dealing with mucus in your lungs, expectorants can help clear it out. However, not all treatments are suitable for everyone, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using any remedies or combining treatments. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, it’s essential to see a therapist promptly to avoid complications. For professional care and guidance, consider visiting Dalimed Medical Center, where experienced specialists can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

The thyroid gland produces hormones: thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin. These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, the function of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, respiration, body temperature, body mass, hair and nail growth, regular bowel function, and human mental ability. Hypothyroidism is a disease in which thyroid hormones are produced less than normal. When the thyroid gland produces less hormone and transports it through the blood to the cells, metabolism slows down. Hypothyroidism is manifested by the following symptoms: •fatigue •weight gain •depression •dry skin •hair loss •swelling in the upper, lower extremities or face •memory impairment •concentration impairment •headache •loss of appetite •cold feeling •decreased performance •palpitations •sleep disorders •menstrual cycle disorders in women •constipation The cause of hypothyroidism can be iodine deficiency or autoimmune thyroiditis. There are 2 main forms of hypothyroidism: 1.Congenital, which is diagnosed immediately after the birth of a child. 2.Acquired, which can be associated with a direct lesion of the thyroid gland, or with a dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus located in the brain. In connection with this problem, primary or secondary hypothyroidism is distinguished. Hypothyroidism may not be detected for a long time, as it develops slowly and with unclear symptoms. For diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a blood test for thyroid hormones, specific antibodies, ultrasound examination, scintigram. Treatment of hypothyroidism: replacement therapy, i.e. taking thyroid hormones. The diet should be rich in iodine, vitamins and microelements. Armenia is considered an iodine-deficient region, as a result of which it is necessary to regularly consult an endocrinologist and monitor the amount of iodine in the body.