Doctors couldn’t help, so they turned to unregulated home health tests
What are some of the conditions that Silicon Valley start-ups are now offering tests for, and what is driving the growth of this market?
Silicon Valley start-ups are now offering tests for a variety of conditions, including menopause, food sensitivity, thyroid function, testosterone levels, ADHD, and sexually-transmitted diseases. The growth of this market is driven by a combination of factors, such as the increasing distrust in traditional healthcare systems, the convenience of at-home testing, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made people more aware of the importance of monitoring their health. Additionally, the rise of wellness influencers and the availability of online communities discussing these topics has also contributed to the growth of this market.
How did the company Tiny Health diagnose Annika's health issue and what treatment did they recommend?
Tiny Health diagnosed Annika's health issue by testing her gut microbiome using a bead of stool swabbed from a diaper. They found that Annika's gut was overcrowded with P. vulgatus, a common bacteria. The company recommended a probiotic, sauerkraut, and exposure to animal microbes through daily visits to the petting zoo as a part of the treatment plan. Within months, Annika's food reactions became normal, and more tests showed a transformed gut.
What specific medical condition did Angelika Sharma's daughter, Annika, suffer from that led them to seek alternative testing methods?
Angelika Sharma's daughter, Annika, suffered from a severe food allergy condition called Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). This rare and complex allergic condition affected Annika's gut health, causing her to have violent vomiting episodes and other digestive issues when exposed to certain foods. The condition was difficult to diagnose and manage, leading Angelika to seek alternative testing methods to find a solution for her daughter's health issues.