An occasional sneeze may be completely normal. However, when sneezing occurs repeatedly, it may indicate that the body is reacting to a particular substance, including an allergy trigger or allergen. Allergies occur when the immune system responds to certain substances. Laboratory allergy testing can help identify this response through a blood test that measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. What Is a Total IgE Test? A Total IgE test is a laboratory examination that measures the ov...

Pregnancy is a journey that requires regular health monitoring. One condition that deserves particular attention is preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder that typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and may lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preeclampsia affects approximately 3–8% of women who give birth worldwide. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy account for around 16% of global maternal deaths, equivalent to ap...

Painful blisters or fluid-filled lesions on the skin should not be ignored or treated without proper evaluation. These symptoms can have various causes, including herpes virus infections, making appropriate medical consultation and testing important. For suspected Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection, molecular testing such as PCR/NAAT using a sample taken from an active lesion is a sensitive method for detecting HSV and differentiating between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Viral culture may also be perfo...

Dry Season and Health Risks: Recognize the Symptoms and Appropriate Tests The dry season does more than change the weather. Higher temperatures may increase fluid loss through sweating, making dehydration more likely when fluid intake is insufficient. Common symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, darker urine, and reduced urination. Dust and environmental irritants may also trigger or worsen respiratory and allergic symptoms in some individuals. Persistent cough, runny nos...

Advancing age may increase the risk of several health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, malnutrition, sensory impairment, and cognitive decline. Because some of these conditions may develop without noticeable symptoms, regular health assessments are important for maintaining independence, well-being, and quality of life in older adults. Recommended Areas of Health Assessment A routine assessment may begin with nutritional evaluation, including heigh...

Lung cancer remains one of the greatest health threats worldwide. Based on global cancer data from 2022, nearly 2.5 million new cases of lung cancer were recorded. The disease also caused approximately 1.8 million deaths, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. These high figures highlight the importance of recognizing risk factors, paying attention to symptoms, and undergoing examinations as recommended by a doctor. Early detection does not mean undergoing every availabl...