Q and A: about health and research

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming and dysregulated response to infection. While early symptoms may feel mild—fatigue, shortness of breath, or slight palpitations—this deceptive calm can rapidly turn into a medical emergency. Physical exertion during early sepsis may unknowingly worsen the condition, and without timely medical intervention, the result can be organ failure, coma, or death. Sepsis can lead to muscle weakness, including the diaphragm, which can cause breathing problems. Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection, can lead to generalized muscle weakness (sepsis-induced muscle weakness), which can also affect the diaphragm. This muscle weakness can impair breathing, as the diaphragm plays a central role in breathing. What Is Sepsis? Sepsis is not the infection itself, but the body's overreaction to it. When the immune system tries to fight off pathogens, it can release a storm of inflammatory chemicals that damage or...

Cortisone (or corticosteroids) are synthetic versions of hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands. They are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders, and skin inflammations. Despite its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, cortisone can, in rare cases, trigger allergic reactions — a paradoxical effect considering it is often used to treat allergies. This article offers a comprehensive overview of cortisone allergy, its symptoms, side effects, interaction with other medications, and important clinical considerations. What Is a Cortisone Allergy? A cortisone allergy, also known as a glucocorticoid allergy , is an immune system response to corticosteroid medications. These can be topical (creams, ointments), inhaled (nasal sprays, asthma inhalers), injectable, or oral formulations. Allergic reactions to cortisone are rare but can be serious. Types of Allergic Reactions Cortisone allergy can manifest...

Introduction Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body. An increased erythrocyte count —known as erythrocytosis or polycythemia —may be harmless in some cases but can also indicate underlying medical conditions. This condition often presents with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness , or an increased risk of thrombosis , and therefore requires thorough evaluation. This article explains the possible causes of erythrocytosis in detail, discusses its relationship to other laboratory parameters such as MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and liver enzyme levels , and considers the potential role of medications like hydrocortisone . 1. What is Erythrocytosis? Erythrocytosis refers to an increased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream . This leads to increased blood viscosity , which can elevate the risk of vascular blockages such as thrombosis, embolism, or stroke . Normal values: Men: 4.3–5.9 million/µl Women: 4.1–5.1 million...

Understanding the Silent Impact of Emotional Suppression in Childhood Alexithymia is more than a clinical term—it’s a lived experience of emotional silence. At its core, it refers to a difficulty in recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions. But behind this psychological concept lies a deeper truth: many people develop alexithymia not because something is inherently wrong with them, but because they learned early on that emotions were unsafe, unwelcome, or shameful. What Is Alexithymia? The term "alexithymia," introduced by psychiatrist Peter Sifneos in 1972, literally means "no words for emotions." People with alexithymia often: Struggle to identify their feelings Have difficulty articulating those feelings in words Feel emotionally numb or detached Focus on facts, logic, and external circumstances, often at the expense of inner emotional awareness Although alexithymia is not classified as a mental illness, it is recognized as a personalit...