The world that we live in is filled with sounds, some are comforting and some could be jarring too. But what if the constant noise surrounding us is doing us more harm than we realize? There has been immense research that shows that noise is not just a nuisance, but a silent killer and affects our health in ways we do not even know. There are associations of sound causing heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

How Does Your Body Respond To Noise?

Noise is seen as an annoyance, but it effects can go beyond what we imagine. When we hear a sound, it travels through the ear to the brain. This is where it gets processed by the amygdala. It is a region that is responsible for emotional responses. This also triggers a stress response- our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises, and stress hormones like cortisol flood our system.

This response is also designed to help us react to immediate threats. Especially, if we hear the sound of a predator approaching. However, when we are exposed to constant noise, this response is triggered repeatedly and could compel us to live in a long-term anxious state.

Hidden Health Risks

Many studies including Harvard Health and theAmerican College of Cardiology have found associations of noise with health problems including putting a person at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart strokes, attacks, and high blood pressure. The constant activation of the stress response can take a toll on the body, increasing inflammation and making it harder for the heart and circulatory system to function properly. Over time, this can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Even more troubling, research suggests that noise pollution may contribute to mental health issues. Studies have found a strong connection between exposure to noise and disturbed sleep, which in turn can cause anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. The World Health Organization estimates that noise contributes to around 12,000 premature deaths annually across Europe alone. This invisible threat, however, is often overlooked because the effects are gradual and cumulative.

Noise and Sleep: A Silent Disturbance

One of the most insidious aspects of noise pollution is its impact on sleep. Even when we are asleep, our bodies are not fully immune to the effects of sound. Our ears never fully “turn off,” meaning that even faint noises can disrupt our sleep cycle. Research has shown that people who live in noisy environments—whether near busy roads, airports, or urban centers—often experience fragmented sleep, leading to fatigue and a weakened immune system. Over time, this chronic lack of restful sleep can lead to significant health problems, including an increased risk of developing cognitive disorders such as dementia.

The Urbanization Problem

As cities continue to grow, noise pollution is becoming more widespread. Traffic noise, in particular, is one of the most common and harmful sources. The rise of urbanization means more cars, buses, and trains, all of which contribute to an ever-increasing din. This urban soundscape is often relentless, with little respite for those living within it. In densely populated cities, people are exposed to high decibel levels, which can exceed safe thresholds for heart health. In many cases, the sheer volume of sound is not just unpleasant; it’s dangerous.

What Can We Do About It?

The solution is not as simple as reducing noise in our immediate surroundings, though efforts to reduce traffic noise and limit industrial sounds are essential. Some cities have taken steps to create quieter spaces by converting busy roads into pedestrian zones or installing noise barriers. These measures have shown to have a positive impact on public health, with research suggesting that even small reductions in noise can prevent premature deaths and improve overall well-being.

Cipla, a global name in inhalation therapies, has announced the launch of Afrezza, the world’s only rapid-acting inhaled insulin, in India. The drug is approved for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage high blood sugar levels and represents a notable change in how insulin can be delivered in a country facing a growing diabetes crisis.

For many patients, injecting insulin during long workdays or in public spaces can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. While insulin injections are widely used, awareness around inhaled insulin remains limited. Below, we explain how inhaled insulin works and what it means for people living with diabetes.

What Is Inhaled Insulin?

Inhaled insulin is a fast-acting form of insulin that is taken as a fine powder through an inhaler. Instead of being injected, it is breathed into the lungs, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. This makes it a needle-free option for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

It begins working very rapidly, often just before or at the start of a meal, and exits the body sooner than injectable insulin. Because of this, it may lower the risk of insulin stacking and offers greater flexibility around mealtimes. Afrezza is currently the main FDA-approved inhaled insulin available.

How To Use Inhaled Insulin?

The insulin comes as a dry powder and is taken using a small, discreet inhaler with single-use cartridges available in 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. It has been approved by the FDA for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar rises after meals. “Its absorption into the bloodstream is faster than injectable rapid-acting insulins such as lispro or aspart,” said Dr Hetashvi Gondaliya, as reported by The Indian Express.

How Does Inhaled Insulin Work For Diabetic People?

Before starting inhaled insulin, patients are required to undergo lung function tests. The insulin itself is identical to the insulin used in injections. What differs is the way it enters the body.

In simple terms, the insulin is not new, only the method of delivery is. Once inhaled, it is absorbed through the lungs, passes into the bloodstream, and helps control the rise in blood sugar levels that happens after eating.

Is Inhaled Insulin Better Than Injectable Insulin?

Inhaled insulin is not necessarily better for everyone, but it offers an alternative to injections. It works faster to control post-meal blood sugar levels and may appeal to people who dislike needles. However, it is less efficient than injected insulin, requires a specific inhaler, and is not suitable for all patients.

Studies show that blood sugar control is similar to injectable insulin, but inhaled insulin must still be used along with long-acting basal insulin. It is best viewed as an option rather than a replacement.

Is Inhaled Insulin Suitable For All Diabetic Patients?

According to the National Institutes of Health, inhaled insulin is not appropriate for everyone. It may be considered for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want a needle-free option or need rapid control of blood sugar after meals.

However, it is not recommended for people who smoke or have smoked in the past six months, or for those with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis. It is also not approved for children or pregnant women. Lung health and ongoing insulin needs must be carefully evaluated before starting this treatment.

Always consult your doctor before switching to or starting inhaled insulin. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether it is safe and suitable for you based on your medical history and lung health.

People should be aware of a rare and unpredictable condition called SCAD. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection occurs when the inner layers of a coronary artery split away from the outer wall. When this happens, blood can leak into the space between the layers, leading to clot formation. If these clots grow large enough, they can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.

Doctors are still struggling to fully understand this condition. The cause remains unknown, and it often strikes suddenly in people who do not have the usual risk factors linked to heart disease. SCAD is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 45 and 53, although it can affect people of any age or gender.

What Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection?

SCAD is an acronym that can refer to different things, but it is most widely used to describe Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. This is a serious heart condition in which a tear forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart, potentially triggering a heart attack. SCAD is also the name of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a well-known creative university in the United States, and an Indian NGO working in the field of social change and development.

According to the British Heart Foundation, SCAD is a condition that “can’t currently be predicted or prevented.” The charity stresses the importance of seeking medical help if symptoms appear, so the condition can be identified as early as possible. Many of the warning signs are similar to those of angina or a heart attack, which can make it difficult to recognise.

Symptoms Of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

The symptoms of SCAD often resemble those associated with angina or a heart attack. These may include:

• Chest pain
• Pain or tightness in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Shortness of breath or unusual tiredness
• Nausea
• Cold sweats or clammy skin

The British Heart Foundation advises anyone experiencing chest pain or these symptoms to call 999 straight away. One of the dangers of SCAD is that people may dismiss the symptoms, believing they are not at risk of a heart attack. Experts say the condition cannot be predicted or prevented.

How Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Related To Neck Pain?

Neck pain can sometimes be linked to arterial dissections, which involve a tear in blood vessels supplying vital organs. In such cases, the pain is often sudden, severe, and felt on one side of the neck. It may appear on its own or develop before more serious symptoms, such as those associated with a stroke or heart-related event.

The pain occurs due to damage to the artery wall and should always be treated as a medical emergency. While neck pain is commonly associated with muscle strain, experts warn that, in rare cases, it can signal a much more serious underlying problem.

According to the American Heart Association, neck pain related to arterial dissection may present in the following ways:

• Location: Pain is usually felt on the same side of the head or neck as the affected artery.
• Type: The pain may be sudden, intense, throbbing, or feel like pressure, and is often different from a typical headache.
• Warning sign: Neck pain can be an early symptom of an arterial tear, sometimes appearing before other serious complications.
• Vertebral artery dissection: Often causes pain at the back of the neck and head.
• Carotid artery dissection: More commonly linked to pain at the front of the neck and head.

SCAD And Women

Around 80 percent of people diagnosed with SCAD are women, and the condition is known to occur during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Because it develops without warning, SCAD is often discovered only after a major medical event, such as a heart attack.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients are managed with medication to reduce the risk of blood clots, while others may require stents to keep the artery open. In rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery is needed to restore blood flow.

The British Heart Foundation notes that receiving a SCAD diagnosis can be deeply unsettling, especially when it follows an emergency. Many patients report feeling isolated, largely because the condition is so rare and not widely understood.

Flu cases are on the rise and as of the January 3, 2026 data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 120,000 cases have been detected in clinical laboratories, apart from those detected in home tests. About 40,000 influenza cases were admitted to the hospital in the prior week and 17 influenza-related deaths reported in children, this season. Physicians across the US are constantly telling everyone, especially the vulnerable population to keep an eye on the symptoms. They have time and again also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu. The country is also seeing an overload of flu cases, with many calling it the 'worst flu season' ever.

Also Read: Delhi Isn't Just Breathing Toxic Air, But Also A Superbug That Resists Antibiotics

The 2025-2026 flu season's main culprit is the influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, or the superflu. This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2 virus and has a history of being most contagious, staying longer on surface, which is why it is driving the most numbers of hospitalization this season.

Jesse Pines, Chief of Clinical Innovation for US Acute Care Solutions and a practising physician for over 20 years of experiences writes for Forbes the 5 must-know things about the flu.

5 Must-Know Things About Flu, From An ER Doctor

Identify the Symptoms

It is important to know what symptoms you have to know about the illness. This flu starts with high fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and a headache. However, not everyone can have the similar symptoms. Children could experience gastrointestinal symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Older adults may have atypical symptoms, which may include not feeling hungry, dizziness, or weakness.

Read: Face Masks Are 'Inadequate', Says WHO, Must Be Swapped For Respirators

Vaccine Is A Must

While the flu vaccine for this season was made at least 7 to 8 months before, like usually it happens, which means the subclade K strain may not be this vaccine's target. However, data shows that despite this mismatch, it has a 72 to 75% effective rate in preventing emergency department visits and hospital admissions in children and adolescents, and 32 to 39% effectiveness in adults.

What To Do If You Have Flu Symptoms

The first response should be to contact your healthcare provider for prescription. Pines note that "Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) are primary options". These are used to reduce the symptom duration, and prevent any further complications like pneumonia. It is most effective if started with in the 48 hours of symptoms.

Should You Seek Higher-Level Medical Care With Flu?

While many people recover at home, if you see your symptoms are not showing any signs of reduction beyond 4 to 5 days, you may need a higher levels of medical care for your flu. This could also be applied if your symptoms worsen suddenly after a few days.

How to Manage Post Flu Weakness?

While everyone is talking about flu and its treatment, not much attention is paid on what to do afterwards. Even after the treatment, one might feel the weakness during their recovery period. This has a scientific name, known as 'post-viral' syndrome, which means a lingering cough and fatigue for 2 to 3 weeks after the illness. This is the time when you gradually return to normal activities, but ensure to maintain adequate hydration, sufficient calorie and protein intake in your diet and adequate sleep.