Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions, in which the surface of the eye loses its normal moisture. This happens when the tear film becomes unstable or when tear production is insufficient. As a result, the eyes “dry out,” causing irritation, fatigue, and a feeling of grittiness. According to ophthalmologists, almost one in five people experiences this condition, most often women over 40. Modern habits — long computer use, air conditioning, and contact lenses — make the problem even more widespread. Causes and development The tear film protects the cornea from drying and irritation. It consists of three layers — oily, watery, and mucous. When any of these layers are disrupted, moisture evaporates quickly and the eye surface becomes unprotected. Causes can be internal or external. Internal factors include hormonal changes (such as during menopause or pregnancy), chronic illnesses, and deficiency of vitamins A and E. External ones include dry air, wind, air conditioners, and infrequent blinking while using screens. Improperly fitted lenses or long-term use of some medications can worsen the problem. Symptoms The main symptoms are dryness, burning, redness, and a feeling of sand or a foreign body in the eyes. Sometimes excessive tearing occurs as a reaction to irritation. Vision may become blurry or fluctuate during the day. Symptoms often worsen by evening, after prolonged reading or computer work, or in dry environments. In severe cases, corneal inflammation and visual impairment may develop. Diagnosis An ophthalmologist can diagnose dry eye syndrome during an eye exam. The doctor evaluates the eyelids, cornea, and tear film. Common diagnostic tests include: • Schirmer’s test – measures tear production; • Norn’s test – checks how quickly the tear film evaporates; • Fluorescein test – identifies dry spots on the cornea. These tests are painless and take just a few minutes. Treatment and care The main goal of treatment is to restore normal eye moisture and relieve irritation. Most patients benefit from “artificial tears” — drops or gels that imitate natural tears and protect the cornea. Inflammation may require anti-inflammatory or regenerative medications. It’s also important to remove triggering factors: avoid dry or dusty environments, choose lenses carefully, and take breaks from screens. In rare severe cases, minor surgery can help retain natural moisture. Prevention To prevent dry eye syndrome: • blink more often when using a computer, • maintain indoor humidity, • drink enough water and eat foods rich in vitamin A and omega-3, • avoid using eye drops without a doctor’s advice. Even mild dry eye requires attention. Early treatment helps preserve eye health and visual clarity.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath of nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Damage to myelin disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses and leads to numerous neurological symptoms. Etiology The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown. It is believed that the development of the disease is promoted by a combination of factors such as: • genetic predisposition, • environmental factors (infections, vitamin D deficiency, stress, smoking). Pathogenesis Immune cells (lymphocytes) penetrate the blood–brain barrier and damage myelin. As a result, inflammation develops, and over time, destruction of the nerve fibers (axons) themselves may occur. Forms of Multiple Sclerosis • Relapsing-remitting (RRMS) — the most common form, characterized by alternating periods of relapses and remissions. • Secondary-progressive (SPMS) — initially presents as RRMS, then gradually transitions into a progressive form. • Primary-progressive (PPMS) — gradual worsening of symptoms without distinct remissions. • Progressive-relapsing (PRMS) — a rare form in which disease progression is accompanied by periodic relapses. Symptoms The clinical picture is diverse and depends on which parts of the nervous system are affected. Possible manifestations include: • weakness in the limbs, muscle spasticity, • numbness, tingling, sensation of “electric shocks” in the body, • urinary and bowel dysfunction, • visual disturbances (diplopia, blurred vision, blindness in one eye), • problems with coordination, balance, and gait, • chronic fatigue, dizziness, • cognitive impairments (memory, attention), • depression and emotional instability. Diagnosis The diagnosis is made based on a combination of findings: • MRI of the brain and spinal cord — detection of demyelinating lesions, • Evoked potentials — assessment of nerve impulse conduction speed, • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis — detection of oligoclonal antibodies, • Clinical presentation and history of relapses. Treatment The main goals of therapy are to reduce disease activity, slow progression, and alleviate symptoms. Disease-modifying therapy (DMT): • interferon-beta, • glatiramer acetate, • monoclonal antibodies (natalizumab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab), • oral medications (fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, etc.). Management of relapses: high doses of corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone). Symptomatic therapy: medications to relieve spasticity, pain, fatigue, and urinary problems. Rehabilitation: physiotherapy, therapeutic exercise, psychological support. Prognosis Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and currently incurable disease. However, modern medications can significantly slow disease progression and maintain quality of life for many years. Most patients, especially those who start treatment early, retain mobility for decades.

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare but serious disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly begins to attack its own cartilaginous tissue. Cartilage is the flexible material that forms our ears, nose, certain joints, the trachea, and even parts of the heart. When this tissue is damaged, inflammation, pain, and changes occur. The disease is called relapsing because it usually progresses with recurring episodes: there are times when the disease is active, and then it weakens or almost disappears. After this calm period, inflammations may appear again. What are the main signs? Most often, the disease first affects the cartilage of the ears. A characteristic feature is unilateral or bilateral damage to the outer ear. The ear becomes red, painful, and swollen, while the earlobe usually remains unaffected. Many patients describe that their ears burn or hurt even when touched. It may lead to the development of "soft ears" or a "cauliflower ear" appearance. The next common symptom is inflammation of the nasal cartilage. The nose may become red, painful, and over time deformed, creating the so-called "saddle nose" appearance. Another symptom is damage to the throat, trachea, and bronchi, which is also quite common. Unlike other symptoms, this one can be life-threatening by causing softening of the tracheal rings, known as chondromalacia. This can lead to critical narrowing of the trachea—stenosis—and result in suffocation. Patients may develop hoarseness, shortness of breath, ineffective dry cough, and pain in the front of the neck. The disease can also affect the joints. A characteristic feature is damage to the cartilaginous connections of the sternum, which causes chest pain. Peripheral joints may also be affected, leading to swelling and pain. Among the relatively rare symptoms are inflammatory eye diseases, up to blindness; skin manifestations such as various rashes, nodules, ulcers; hematopoietic system disorders leading to aplastic anemia; and genitourinary involvement, up to renal failure. These symptoms are much rarer than the main ones (ears, nose, and airways), but their occurrence can make the disease life-threatening. There are no specific laboratory or special tests for this disease; diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs and examinations. Laboratory tests show no specific markers. A complete blood test may reveal elevated inflammatory markers, anemia, or leukocytosis. Instrumental studies include CT and MRI to assess airway damage. Biopsy is sometimes used but is not always conclusive. Considering the difficulty of diagnosing this disease, unfortunately, patients often reach rheumatologists too late. They are treated by ENT specialists, pulmonologists, ophthalmologists, therapists, and are referred to rheumatologists at rather advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, close collaboration among narrow specialists is very important for the patient’s benefit. In the past, this disease had a fairly high mortality rate due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatment. Today, the development of medicine, especially in the field of autoimmune disease diagnosis and treatment, has led to much higher effectiveness in early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Visiting a cardiologist is important not only if you already have health problems, but also for preventive assessment of your heart health. There are several warning signs and risk factors that should not be ignored. Main reasons to see a cardiologist 1. Chest pain or tightness Especially if the pain radiates to the arms, neck, or back. 2. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Even after minor physical activity. 3. Rapid or irregular heartbeat Palpitations, shortness of breath, or pounding heartbeat. 4. High blood pressure If blood pressure is persistently high and medications do not help. 5. Family history of heart disease If close relatives had heart disease at a young age. 6. Diabetes Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease. 7. High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. 8. Swelling of the legs and shortness of breath May indicate heart failure. Prevention and treatment The main goal of prevention is to avoid the development of heart disease and reduce risk factors. Treatment, however, is aimed at managing and addressing existing problems. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) A heart attack develops when blood flow in a part of the heart muscle decreases or stops completely, causing damage. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort, which may radiate to the shoulder, arm, scapula, neck, or jaw. Other possible symptoms include: • shortness of breath, • nausea, • severe weakness, • cold sweat, • feeling of fatigue. What to do If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Self-medication is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.