Doctor, scientist and biomedical engineer Armen Khrlobyan about Dalimed

Angioedema (Quincke's edema) is a condition that causes sudden swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissues. Unlike hives, which appear on the surface of the skin, angioedema develops underneath it, often affecting the lips, eyelids, face, tongue, hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Although many cases are mild and resolve within a few hours or days, angioedema should never be underestimated. When swelling affects the tongue, throat, or airways, it can rapidly interfere with breathing and become life-threatening. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking prompt medical care can be crucial. What causes angioedema? Angioedema occurs when fluid leaks from small blood vessels into nearby tissues, leading to swelling. It can be triggered by allergies, medications, infections, or certain underlying health conditions. Common causes include: • Food allergies, insect stings, latex allergy and contact with animals that trigger allergic reactions • Medications, especially some blood pressure drugs known as ACE inhibitors • Hereditary angioedema, a rare genetic condition that causes recurrent swelling episodes In some people, no specific cause can be identified. What are the symptoms? The most noticeable symptom is sudden swelling beneath the skin. The lips, eyelids, face, tongue, and throat are among the areas most often affected. Some people may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or fainting. Hives can occur at the same time, although angioedema may develop without any rash. When is it an emergency? Angioedema requires immediate medical attention if swelling involves the tongue, throat, or airways. In severe cases, the swelling can progress quickly and partially or completely block airflow to the lungs. Seek emergency help if you experience: • Difficulty breathing or wheezing • Trouble swallowing or a feeling of throat tightness • Severe dizziness, weakness, or fainting Delaying treatment can have serious consequences. As swelling increases, breathing may become increasingly difficult, oxygen levels can fall, and the condition may become life-threatening. For this reason, any sudden swelling of the tongue, throat, or lips should be treated as a medical emergency until evaluated by a healthcare professional. How is angioedema diagnosed and treated? Doctors usually diagnose angioedema based on symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers. Allergy tests, blood tests, or genetic testing may be recommended in some cases. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine may be used for allergic reactions, while people with hereditary angioedema may require specialized medications. Avoiding known triggers is an important part of preventing future episodes.

Many people struggle with fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight despite trying to eat healthier or exercise more. While these symptoms are often blamed on stress or aging, they may actually be linked to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a common metabolic condition that can develop silently for years before it is detected. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. What is insulin resistance? Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is used for energy. When cells become less responsive to insulin, the pancreas produces more of it to keep blood sugar levels normal. For a long time, this compensation may work successfully, which is why many people do not realize they have insulin resistance. However, elevated insulin levels can gradually affect metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. Why many people don't know they have it Unlike many medical conditions, insulin resistance usually develops slowly and causes few obvious symptoms at first. People may simply notice that they are gaining weight more easily, feeling tired more often, or struggling to lose weight despite their efforts. It is often discovered only after routine blood tests or when related conditions begin to appear. Common signs that shouldn't be ignored • Persistent fatigue or low energy • Weight gain, especially around the waist • Difficulty losing weight • Increased hunger and sugar cravings • Brain fog or poor concentration • Darkened skin patches on the neck or underarms Because these symptoms are common, many people dismiss them as part of a busy lifestyle rather than a sign of an underlying metabolic problem.Insulin resistance affects much more than body weight. Over time, it may contribute to: • Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes • Fatty liver disease • High blood pressure • Unhealthy cholesterol levels • Heart disease • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) For this reason, insulin resistance is considered an important risk factor for several chronic health conditions. Can insulin resistance be improved? The good news is that insulin resistance can often be improved through healthy lifestyle changes. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help the body respond to insulin more effectively. In some cases, medical treatment may also be recommended to reduce the risk of future complications.Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, strong sugar cravings, or difficulty losing weight should not be ignored. Early medical evaluation can help identify insulin resistance before more serious health problems develop. With timely intervention, many people can improve their metabolic health and reduce their long-term risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Almost everyone experiences headaches from time to time. Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or long hours in front of a screen can all lead to head pain. But sometimes what seems like an ordinary headache may actually be a migraine. Although many people use the words “migraine” and “headache” interchangeably, they are not the same condition. A migraine is a more complex neurological disorder that often comes with additional symptoms beyond head pain. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right treatment and know when it is time to seek medical help. What does an ordinary headache feel like? The most common type is a tension headache. It usually causes: • A dull, aching pain • Pressure or tightness around the forehead or sides of the head • Mild to moderate discomfort • Pain on both sides of the head Tension headaches are often linked to stress, anxiety, muscle strain, fatigue, or poor sleep. While uncomfortable, they are usually manageable and often improve with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter pain relievers. What makes a migraine different? A migraine is typically more intense and disruptive than a regular headache. The pain is often throbbing or pulsating and may affect one side of the head, although both sides can sometimes be involved. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from several hours to even a few days if untreated. In addition to head pain, migraines may cause: • Nausea or vomiting • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells • Blurred vision • Neck pain or fatigue • Difficulty concentrating For many people, normal daily activities become difficult during a migraine attack. Some need to rest in a dark, quiet room until the symptoms improve. What is migraine aura? Some people experience warning signs before the migraine begins. This is called aura. Aura may include: • Flashing lights or zig-zag lines • Tingling or numbness in the face or hands • Temporary vision changes • Difficulty speaking clearly These symptoms usually develop gradually and may last up to an hour before the headache starts. Other types of headaches Certain headaches can sometimes be mistaken for migraines. Sinus headache. Sinus headaches usually cause pressure around the forehead, cheeks, or nose and are often accompanied by nasal congestion or thick mucus related to infection.Cluster headache. Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful. They usually cause sudden stabbing pain around one eye, often with tearing or a stuffy nose. Unlike migraines, cluster headaches appear suddenly and typically last a shorter time.Common migraine triggers Migraine attacks can be triggered by different factors, including: • Stress • Hormonal changes • Lack of sleep • Skipping meals • Dehydration • Weather changes • Certain foods or alcohol • Excess caffeine Triggers vary from person to person, and keeping a headache diary may help identify patterns. When should you see a doctor? Occasional headaches are common, but medical evaluation is important if: • Headaches happen frequently • Pain interferes with daily activities • Over-the-counter medications stop helping • You experience nausea, vision changes, or neurological symptoms • A sudden severe headache appears unexpectedly A doctor may recommend further evaluation to rule out other neurological or medical conditions. Migraines can significantly affect quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people are able to reduce both the frequency and severity of attacks.

Losing some hair every day is normal. Most people shed around 50–100 hairs daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Problems begin when hair falls out faster than it can grow back, leading to noticeable thinning or bald patches. Hair loss, also called alopecia, can affect both men and women and may develop gradually or suddenly. Common Causes of Hair Loss Genetics and Hormones The most common cause is hereditary hair loss, known as androgenic alopecia. Men often develop a receding hairline or thinning at the crown, while women usually notice overall thinning and a wider hair part. Hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or conditions like PCOS can also trigger hair shedding. Stress and Illness Physical or emotional stress may cause temporary hair loss. Surgery, illness, rapid weight loss, or difficult emotional experiences can push more hairs into the shedding phase. This often appears a few months after the stressful event. Vitamin Deficiencies Low levels of iron, protein, vitamin D, and certain B vitamins may weaken hair growth. Vitamin D is especially important because it helps support hair follicles. Deficiency may also cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and low mood. Other Possible Reasons Hair loss can also result from: • Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata • Certain medications, including chemotherapy • Scalp infections • Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair • Frequent bleaching or heat styling When Should You See a Doctor? You should seek medical advice if you notice: • Sudden or excessive hair shedding • Bald patches • Itching or pain on the scalp • Hair loss together with fatigue or hormonal symptoms Doctors may recommend blood tests to check iron levels, thyroid function, or vitamin deficiencies. Can Hair Loss Be Treated? Treatment depends on the cause. Correcting nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances may help reduce shedding. Other options include topical treatments, PRP therapy, and hair transplantation in selected cases. To support healthy hair growth: • Eat a balanced diet • Avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat • Manage stress • Treat medical conditions early Although hair loss can be frustrating, many cases improve once the underlying cause is identified and treated.