Hematuria

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that, over time, can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. It is often called the "silent thief" because in many cases, it begins without obvious symptoms until the patient notices serious vision changes. As your physician, I must emphasize that its insidious, silent nature is precisely why proactive screening is critically important for preserving your precious sight.What is the Optic Nerve? The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain, transmitting vital visual information. Think of it as the high-speed data cable for your vision. When this nerve is damaged, the brain cannot properly process what is seen. If glaucoma is left untreated, vision can gradually worsen and even be completely lost. From a medical standpoint, this explains why the damage is so devastating; it's not just about what the eye "sees," but what the brain can interpret from that signal.How Does Glaucoma Occur? Inside our eye, a clear fluid forms that nourishes and cleanses various parts of the eye. This is your aqueous humor, essential for maintaining ocular health and pressure. When this fluid cannot drain naturally from the eye, the pressure inside the eye increases. This elevated pressure, like a clogged drain, then damages the delicate optic nerve. This mechanism is one of the main causes of glaucoma.However, it is crucial to note that sometimes glaucoma can also develop in people whose intraocular pressure is normal. This phenomenon, known as normal-tension glaucoma, highlights the complex nature of this disease, extending beyond simple pressure readings. For this reason, there are indeed different types of glaucoma.Types of Glaucoma1.Open-angle glaucoma (the most common form): This type develops slowly and typically without pain. Often, people do not notice changes until there is already significant vision loss. As a doctor, I reiterate: its gradual progression is why routine eye examinations are absolutely paramount, particularly for those at risk.2.Angle-closure glaucoma: This form is rarer, but it develops suddenly and rapidly. It can be accompanied by severe eye pain, redness, sudden worsening of vision, and even nausea. This is an ophthalmologic emergency requiring urgent treatment. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention; your vision depends on it.Who is at Higher Risk? Several factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma:•People with a family history of glaucoma•Individuals over 40 years old•Those with consistently high intraocular pressure•Those suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure•People of Black or Asian descent•Individuals who use steroid medications for a long timeHow is Glaucoma Diagnosed? Glaucoma can only be detected through a thorough eye examination. Self-diagnosis is simply not possible. This examination typically includes the following:•Eye pressure measurement•Optic nerve examination•Visual field testing (determining the boundaries of vision)•Examination of the eye's internal structuresCan Glaucoma Be Cured? Glaucoma cannot be completely cured, but with proper treatment, it is possible to slow down or even stop the damage to the optic nerve. The goal of medical intervention is to preserve your remaining vision and prevent further damage. We focus on management, not cure, to safeguard your sight.Treatment options include:•Eye drops to lower pressure•Pills (medications)•Laser intervention•Surgery, if other methods do not helpWhy is Early Diagnosis Important? Since glaucoma often has no symptoms in its initial stages, many people do not even suspect they have the disease. Detecting it at an early stage means starting treatment in time and preserving your vision. Remember: vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored, but it is possible to preserve what is still there. Therefore, always remember to visit an ophthalmologist regularly, even if you do not notice any vision problems. Your vision is an irreplaceable gift; protect it with routine care.

In men, testosterone is one of the main androgenic steroids produced in the Leydig cells of the testes. Testosterone secretion is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and stimulates the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, skeletal muscle growth, and erythropoiesis.In women, testosterone is synthesized mainly by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It regulates bone and skeletal muscle mass and function.The majority of circulating testosterone (97-98%) is bound to proteins. It is specifically bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and nonspecifically to albumin.In men, decreased testosterone production is due to functional insufficiency of the testicles (hypogonadism). Testosterone production decreases with age. Certain medications, chemotherapy, and disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can also cause testosterone levels to decrease.Increased testosterone production may be seen in women with androgen-secreting tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or idiopathic hyperandrogenemia.Rarely, elevated testosterone levels are found in women with end-stage renal disease.High testosterone levels can also be a result of elevated SHBG, which can be caused by hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or the use of estrogenic medications (hormonal contraceptives).Testosterone circulates in the blood in three forms: total, free, and bioavailable. Free testosterone is testosterone that is not bound to sex hormone binding globulin and albumin. The total amount of albumin-bound and free forms is called "bioavailable testosterone." Total testosterone is the sum of the three forms of testosterone.Symptoms of low testosterone in men include:1.Decreased sexual desire2.Erectile dysfunction3.Low sperm count, fertility problems4.Fatigue5.Decreased muscle mass6.Increased body fat, weight gain7.Loss of body or facial hair8.Shrinkage of testicles9.Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)10.Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)11.Excessive sweating12.Sleep problems13.Mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety14.Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, “brain fog”Symptoms of high testosterone in men include:1.Acne and oily skin2.Increased body and facial hair3.Mood swings. irritability, aggression, mood swings, anxiety, and sometimes depression.4.High sex drive5.Increased muscle mass6.Headaches7.Sleep disturbances8.High blood pressure (hypertension)9.Swelling of the feet and ankles and weight gain10.Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)11.Low sperm count and infertility12.Increased risk of stroke and pulmonary embolismSymptoms of high testosterone in women include:1.Excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism)2.Thinning hair on the scalp3.Acne4.Oily skin5.Deepening of the voice6.Irregular menstrual cycles7.Increased muscle mass8.Enlargement of the clitoris9.Breast shrinkage10.Mood swings11.Ovarian CystsRegular testosterone testing helps detect hormonal imbalances in time and begin appropriate treatment. We invite you to take the test at Dalimed Medical Center, where we offer high-precision equipment and a caring approach to every patient.

Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, making it hard to function properly. It can occur on hot days when you sweat a lot or if you’re sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. It may also result from not drinking enough water or taking medications that increase urination. When you’re not well-hydrated, you feel thirsty — your body’s way of signaling the need for fluids. You should drink water as soon as you feel thirsty. Mild dehydration is often resolved by drinking fluids, but it’s not always obvious. It may go unnoticed in an elderly person who forgets to drink or a baby who can’t express thirst. What does water do for your body? Your body is up to 78% water. Your brain and heart are about 73% water, muscles and kidneys 79%, skin 64%, lungs 83%, and bones 31%. Water helps: •Aid digestion and remove waste•Lubricate joints•Make saliva for eating•Balance body chemicals, including brain hormones and neurotransmitters•Transport oxygen through the body•Cushion bones•Regulate temperature•Protect your brain, spinal cord, and fetus during pregnancyWater is especially vital in warm weather. During exercise, your muscles heat up. Your body cools off by sweating, and as sweat evaporates, it cools the body. But sweating also lowers fluid levels, which affects normal functions. What are the symptoms of dehydration? If you think you or your child is severely dehydrated, get medical help right away. Signs in children include: •Dry lips and tongue•No tears when crying•Fewer than six wet diapers a day (infants), or none for eight hours (toddlers)•Sunken soft spot on an infant’s head•Sunken eyes•Dry, wrinkly skin•Fast, deep breathing•Cool, blotchy hands and feetWhat is the outlook (prognosis) for dehydration? Mild dehydration is usually treatable by drinking fluids. Moderate or severe cases might require hospitalization and IV fluids. If untreated, serious issues like electrolyte imbalance, organ failure, or death can occur. Can dehydration be prevented? Yes. Track your fluid intake and drink water regularly, including with meals. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. How much water do I need to drink? Water needs vary based on your age, weight, activity level, health conditions, clothing, and climate. People with certain conditions like diabetes or heart disease should be careful. While eight glasses a day is a general rule, consult your doctor to find out what’s best for you.

The immune system is a powerful and complex defense network made up of organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals. It works tirelessly to shield your body from harmful microorganisms and internal threats. Beyond protection, it also plays a vital role in healing after infections and injuries.What does the immune system do? The immune system protects you from: •Harmful bacteria •Viruses •Fungi that cause infection •Parasites •Abnormal cells, such as cancer How does the immune system work? A healthy immune system can recognize what belongs to your body and what doesn’t. It springs into action to attack harmful microbes and stops when the threat is gone. It also "remembers" previous germs through antibodies—proteins that help neutralize future infections more efficiently. But the immune system isn’t always perfect. Weak immune system Some people are born with conditions that weaken immunity, but most immune deficiencies develop later in life—often linked to chronic illnesses such as cancer or Type 2 diabetes. A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to defend against infections. Overactive immune system On the opposite end, an overly reactive immune system may respond too aggressively. It might attack your own healthy cells (autoimmune diseases) or cause allergic reactions to harmless substances. Sometimes, it continues to fight even after the threat is gone. Signs and symptoms of immune system disorders.Depending on the type of immune imbalance, symptoms can differ. However, common warning signs include: •Persistent fatigue •Fever without a known cause •Sudden weight loss •Excessive night sweats •Unexplained skin rashes or itchiness •Aching muscles or joints •Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes •Brain fog or trouble focusing •Hair thinning or loss •Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpits Common tests to evaluate immune system function Doctors often use blood tests to evaluate your immune health. These may include: •Antibody level testing •Complete blood count •Complement tests (such as C3 protein levels) How can I boost my immune system naturally? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for enhancing immunity. Your immune system is intricate, and what helps one person may not work for another. The best approach is to focus on a healthy lifestyle—balanced nutrition, good sleep, regular activity, and stress reduction. But for tailored guidance, it’s always wise to consult a professional. When in doubt, seek expert care. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to improve your immune health, visit Dalimed Medical Center. Our doctors will guide you through personalized testing and treatment to help you feel your best.