I was diagnosed with lung disease. I had lost a lot of weight and thought it was fatigue, but the symptoms of the disease were silent: so Eva Bolognesi

Eva Bolognesi, a Milan-based adoption manager and social media influencer with thousands of followers, has spoken publicly about her recent diagnosis related to her lungs, which came after months of confusion and misinterpretation of symptoms. Initially attributed to fatigue from a busy lifestyle, the condition was eventually identified through medical tests, prompting her to share her experience in an interview with Leggo. Her story highlights how subtle health issues can go unnoticed until they become more serious. The early signs of Bolognesi’s illness were difficult to distinguish from everyday stress. She described experiencing extreme tiredness and unexpected weight loss, which she initially linked to her demanding work schedule and constant activity on social platforms. Despite concerns from family members suggesting she take a break, she dismissed them, believing the symptoms were simply due to her hectic life. “I think the body speaks to us,” she explained. “For some time I wasn’t feeling well, but I kept running between work and social media. I thought this fatigue and weight loss were connected to my fast-paced life.” Her journey toward diagnosis began with a series of comprehensive medical examinations in March. These tests confirmed a pulmonary issue, leading to a delicate clinical process. Bolognesi emphasized the importance of listening to one's body and seeking further evaluations if initial assessments don't provide clarity. “I received a diagnosis that no one would want,” she stated. “It involves the lungs and some symptoms were related to coughing and breathing difficulties. What I hope to convey is how crucial it is to listen to our bodies.” She recounted how the symptoms were initially silent and easily mistaken for common ailments such as flu or acid reflux. “When you're young, you tend to think it might be something less severe,” she noted. “But we need to learn to be somewhat doctors for ourselves. If a visit or diagnosis doesn't convince us, and we continue to feel unwell, it's right to dig deeper and ask for additional checks.” As awareness around tick bites increases, experts warn about their presence in natural environments. The small organisms, often overlooked, can hide in areas like forests, parks, and even urban green spaces. According to Dr. Claudio De Liberato, an entomologist and head of the Reference Center for Sanitary Entomology in the Lazio region, ticks belong to the arachnid family, similar to spiders and mites. They act as vectors, capable of transmitting diseases to humans and animals. Unlike mosquitoes or midges, ticks do not have a strict seasonal pattern and can be found throughout the year, although certain species are more active during warmer months. Their habitats include wooded areas, clearings, pastures, and trail edges, especially where wild animals such as deer and wild boars are present. Urban parks with tall grass and shrubs can also harbor these creatures. De Liberato explained that ticks remain on low vegetation as larvae and wait on higher leaves and stems as nymphs and adults for a host to pass by. Once attached, they feed on blood, using substances in their saliva to prevent pain or itching. This makes their bites hard to detect, often discovered hours or days later. Ticks can stay attached for up to ten days if undisturbed. The lifecycle of ticks is lengthy, spanning several years. Starting with eggs laid in soil, they hatch into tiny larvae that feed on blood before transforming into nymphs. After another feeding, they mature into adults. Mating occurs directly on the host, and females can lay up to 12,000 eggs after a large blood meal, restarting the cycle. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding tick behavior and taking preventive measures. While the risk of disease transmission exists, knowledge and vigilance can significantly reduce potential threats. Individuals should inspect themselves and their pets after spending time outdoors, particularly in areas known for tick activity. Prompt removal of ticks and monitoring for symptoms are critical steps in preventing complications.