Zzap Health

10/15/2026

🦠 Sore throat? It might not be strep!

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, but other infections can be responsible too. Let’s break down the most common causes!

⚕️ Educational purposes only. Not medical advice.

10/01/2026

First line therapy for allergic rhinitis! Not medical advice.

09/23/2026

Ever notice that “cobblestone” appearance in the back of the throat? 👀 Cobblestoning is often caused by chronic irritation and enlarged lymphoid tissue commonly associated with postnasal drainage from allergies or upper respiratory irritation.

Not medical advice.

09/16/2026

The Atopic Triad & Atopic March. Eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis make up the atopic triad. The atopic march describes how these allergic conditions may develop and change over time.

Not medical advice.

09/13/2026

Dr. Harding and Hunter recently traveled to Orlando to learn from leading experts in cellular medicine and peptide therapy integration. After completing their training and exam, they are now certified in peptide therapy.

As peptide therapy grows in popularity, Dr. Harding & Hunter believe responsible care requires more than simply offering these therapies. Since learning about peptides, they have continued to study the science, mechanisms, emerging evidence, appropriate clinical uses, and remaining uncertainties. This allows them to discuss these therapies transparently and help each patient make an informed, individualized decision about whether treatment is appropriate.

And, of course, we made a little time to catch up with Minnie & Mickey and get their take on peptides, too.

09/10/2026

What Are Allergic Shiners. Dark circles under the eyes may be caused by nasal congestion from allergies. These are called allergic shiners.

Not medical advice.

09/03/2026

Why do we rely more on ferritin than a single serum iron level when evaluating iron deficiency?

Serum iron can fluctuate throughout the day and may change after eating iron-rich foods or taking an iron supplement. Ferritin generally gives us a better picture of the body’s stored iron, and a low ferritin strongly supports iron deficiency.

However, ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant—it may be elevated by inflammation, infection, liver disease, and other health conditions. This means a “normal” or elevated ferritin does not always exclude iron deficiency. The complete picture may include the CBC, ferritin, transferrin saturation, TIBC, symptoms, and clinical history.

Educational content only—not medical advice.

Anemia Bloodwork LabResults CBCResults MedicalEducation

08/27/2026

Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit? Secondary erythrocytosis is often driven by hypoxia—from conditions such as sleep apnea, smoking, chronic lung or heart disease, and living at higher altitude. Testosterone therapy can also increase red blood cell production and raise hematocrit.

Dehydration may temporarily concentrate the blood, but persistent or unexplained elevations deserve further evaluation. Polycythemia vera, a primary bone marrow disorder, should remain on the differential in the appropriate clinical setting.

Always interpret results alongside symptoms, medical history, medications, oxygen levels, and laboratory trends. Educational content only—not medical advice.

08/21/2026

Elevated platelets? Many cases are reactive, commonly related to infection, inflammation, iron deficiency, recent surgery, or blood loss. However, persistent or unexplained elevations may require evaluation for a primary bone marrow disorder, which remains on the differential. Always interpret platelet counts in the context of symptoms, history, and trends.

Educational content only, not medical advice.

08/18/2026