One of the commonest causes of illness, a sore throat often clears up on its own, but knowing what's causing it is important to treat it properly. Viral, bacterial, or caused by allergic elements - these kinds of sore throats have different characteristics that need different responses.

Sore throats have several origins, including infection and environmental factors. Some common causes include:

Viral infections: Viruses cause 90% of sore throat cases. Sore throats may result due to flu or common cold as well as those from chickenpox and measles that can all cause irritation.

Bacterial Infections: Streptococcus bacteria, the most common cause of strep throat, is the most common bacterial source. Strep throat is contagious and can lead to complications if untreated.

Allergies: Pollen, pet dander, and mold can trigger throat irritation, often accompanied by postnasal drip, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Environmental Factors: Dry air, pollution, and smoke can dry out or irritate the throat, creating a scratchy sensation.

Other Causes: GERD, vocal strain, even tumors may be responsible for chronic sore throats.

How to Distinguish Between Viral, Bacterial, and Allergic Sore Throats

Determining your cause of sore throat requires analysis of symptoms that accompany it, how long the sore throat lasts, and how bad the sore throat is.

Viral Sore Throats

The viruses that cause a sore throat are usually similar to a cold in their symptoms and tend to be milder than bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Viral Sore Throat

- Red, swollen throat without white patches

- Persistent cough

- Runny nose and nasal congestion

- Fever, usually mild

Duration: Viral infections last for 7–10 days without antibiotics.

Treatment: Home remedies, such as warm fluids, saltwater gargling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate it.

Also Read: Flu Season Grips 40 States In US, CDC Reports Alarming Numbers

Bacterial Sore Throats

Bacterial sore throats, mainly strep throat, are more severe and require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.

Symptoms of Bacterial Sore Throat

- Red and swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks of pus

- High fever

- Absence of a cough

- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain (especially in children)

- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

Diagnosis: Rapid strep tests or throat cultures confirm the presence of bacteria.

Treatment: Antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the infection. Without treatment, complications like rheumatic fever or abscesses can develop.

Sore Throats Caused by Allergies

Throat irritation is caused by postnasal drip. Allergies create a buildup and drip of mucus down the back of the throat.

Allergic Sore Throat Symptoms

- Irritation of the throat and ears

- Runny eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion

- These symptoms are usually relieved by antihistamines or removal from the source of the allergen

Duration: Allergic sore throats are sustained for as long as the allergens are exposed.

When to Seek Medical Care?

A sore throat should be taken to a doctor if:

- The condition lasts more than a week.

- There is shortness of breath or swallowing becomes painful.

- Swelling is too pronounced or the pain in the throat is extreme.

- High fever, rash, or joint pain occur along with the sore throat.

- A child shows signs of dehydration or refuses fluids due to throat pain.

Early diagnosis can prevent complications and speed recovery.

Effective Treatment for Sore Throats

Home Remedies for Viral and Allergy-Related Sore Throats

Viral infections and allergies often respond well to non-invasive treatments:

• Drink warm teas, broths, or water to soothe the throat.
• Gargling with warm, salty water can reduce inflammation.
• These help soothe an irritated throat and can alleviate coughing.

Let your body rest sufficiently. Humidifying dry air will help keep the throat moist, especially when winter is on its way.

Why Not All Sore Throats Require Antibiotics?

Bacterial infections require antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Finish the treatment completely to avoid reoccurrence or resistance.

How to Keep Sore Throats at Bay When Winter Is Near

Prevention is better than cure, and simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:

• Wash your hands frequently to avoid infections.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Use air purifiers to minimize exposure to irritants.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to boost immunity.

Understanding the cause of your sore throat—whether viral, bacterial, or allergic—is key to effective treatment and recovery. While many sore throats resolve on their own, seeking timely medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms can prevent complications. Prioritize self-care, and don’t hesitate to consult a doctor when needed. Remember, your throat’s health is a vital part of your overall well-being.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints affecting people of all ages. It is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, passing hard stools, excessive straining, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

While occasional constipation is usually not a cause for concern and can often be managed through lifestyle changes, persistent or severe constipation may sometimes indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

Common Causes of Constipation

Several factors can contribute to constipation, including inadequate fiber intake, insufficient water consumption, lack of physical activity, stress, changes in routine, and certain medications. In many cases, improving dietary habits and maintaining an active lifestyle can help restore normal bowel function. However, when constipation becomes chronic or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should not be ignored.

Warning Signs

One of the most important warning signs is a sudden change in bowel habits, particularly in adults over the age of 50. Persistent constipation associated with unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, bloating, or blood in the stool may indicate a more serious condition, such as colorectal cancer. Early detection is crucial, making timely medical evaluation essential.

What's Behind Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation may also be linked to several medical disorders. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and certain neurological disorders can affect the normal movement of the intestines. In some individuals, constipation may result from pelvic floor dysfunction, where the muscles involved in bowel movements do not coordinate properly.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), particularly the constipation-predominant type, is another common cause of ongoing bowel difficulties. Inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal narrowing, or bowel obstruction can also present with severe constipation and abdominal discomfort.

Many people rely on over-the-counter laxatives for relief. While these medications can be effective when used appropriately, long-term or excessive use without medical supervision may mask an underlying problem and can sometimes worsen bowel function over time.

How To Maintain Good Digestive Health

To maintain good digestive health, individuals should consume a fibre-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Adequate hydration, regular exercise, and responding promptly to the urge to pass stools are equally important.

Constipation is often harmless, but persistent symptoms should never be dismissed. If constipation lasts for several weeks, becomes increasingly severe, or is associated with alarming symptoms such as bleeding, significant weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, seeking medical advice is essential. Recognizing these warning signs early can help identify serious health conditions and ensure timely treatment.

(By Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy, Director Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass & Mukundupur)

Yoga may offer benefits beyond flexibility and stress relief, with doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, ahead of International Yoga Day 2026, saying that studies have shown the ancient practice could help improve outcomes in conditions ranging from unexplained male infertility to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

This year marks the 12th International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21. The theme for this year, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," highlights the practice's potential to enhance mobility, balance, flexibility, and mental well-being, helping people maintain health and independence at every stage of life.

Yoga And Unexplained Male Infertility

Dr. Rima Dada, Professor at the Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Delhi, told HealthandMe that cases of unexplained male factor infertility have increased in recent decades. In many of these cases, standard sperm parameters appear normal, but sperm cells are affected by oxidative stress and DNA damage.

According to Dr. Rima, studies conducted in men with unexplained infertility found that regular yoga practice reduced oxidative stress, decreased sperm DNA damage, and normalized the expression of genes critical for early embryonic development. These benefits, however, generally require consistent practice for more than six months.

Also read:International Yoga Day 2026: 10 Desk Yoga Poses That Can Undo Hours of Sitting

Dr. Rima described yoga as an “art of living” that combines

• mindful asanas,
• relaxation techniques,
• pranayama,
• meditation,
• healthy nutrition,
• adequate sleep.

According to her, such lifestyle measures may improve sperm DNA quality, motility, and overall reproductive health while potentially reducing the burden of genetic and epigenetic disorders in future generations.

Yoga And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dr. Rima also highlighted the role of yoga in rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that typically affects small joints initially and may later involve larger joints as well as organs such as the lungs, heart, and brain.

She described yoga as an "art of living" that should be incorporated into daily life through mindful asanas, relaxation techniques, pranayama, meditation, a whole plant-based diet, and adequate sleep.

Read More: Trying to Quit Tobacco? Yoga Could Improve Your Chances, Suggests Study

She added that research has shown that yoga, including asanas, pranayama, and meditation, can help reduce inflammatory cytokines linked to swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint damage. Pranayama practices such as Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Ujjayi were highlighted as particularly beneficial.

For people living with rheumatoid arthritis, she recommended beginning with gentle loosening exercises under the supervision of a trained yoga therapist and avoiding strenuous postures during acute flare-ups. Pranayama and meditation, she said, may help reduce inflammation, improve emotional resilience, and support longer periods of remission.

Yoga As An Adjunct Therapy

Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi, explained that autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs.

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, myositis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and IgG4-related disease can significantly affect quality of life, often leading to pain, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, and reduced mobility.

“All these components are improved by yoga,” Dr. Kumar said.

However, she stressed that yoga should be viewed as an adjunct to medical treatment rather than a replacement. According to her, yoga may complement conventional therapies by improving sleep, flexibility, mental well-being, lifestyle habits, and overall quality of life.

You May Want To Read: Natural Origin or Lab Leak? Gabbard Reignites COVID Origins Debate, Claims Fauci Funded Wuhan Lab Research

Yoga's Benefits For Fibromyalgia

Dr. Renu Bhatia, Additional Professor in the Department of Physiology at AIIMS Delhi, said supervised yoga therapy may help improve physical activity, sleep quality, muscle blood flow, pain levels, and flexibility in people with fibromyalgia.

The experts described fibromyalgia as a condition characterized by widespread pain despite normal laboratory findings and the absence of obvious inflammation.

Dr. Renu noted that studies have shown six weeks of supervised yoga intervention can reduce tender points while improving sensory symptoms, brain function, and neural excitability. However, she cautioned that yoga should be practiced under supervision, as excessive joint movement may aggravate symptoms in some patients.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of India’s most pressing inherited blood disorders, with an estimated 1 in 86 births among tribal and disadvantaged groups affected.

Despite advances in diagnostics and treatment, families continue to face uncertainty, stigma, and limited awareness.

Why Genetic Counselling Matters

A crucial distinction often overlooked is between sickle cell trait (SCT) and sickle cell disease. Carriers with one gene are usually healthy but can pass the trait to their children, while those with two defective genes live with lifelong complications.

When both parents carry SCT, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the trait and a 25% chance of developing the disease. This is why genetic counselling must be recognized as an integral part of the care continuum.

Genetic counselling provides clarity on inheritance patterns, transmission risks, and reproductive choices. In high-prevalence communities, it serves as a preventive strategy. Counselling is equally vital after diagnosis, guiding parents on managing complications, navigating education and employment, and preparing adolescents to understand their carrier status before marriage.

Also read: Sickle Cell Disease: Why India Must Add Curative Treatment to Meet Its 2047 Elimination Goal

The Role of National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission

India’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023) prioritizes screening in high-burden states, with clear objectives:

• to provide affordable, accessible, and quality care to all SCD patients;
• reduce prevalence through awareness campaigns and premarital genetic counselling;
• conduct targeted screening and early detection using validated Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kits;
• ensure holistic management through primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities;
• enable community involvement by linking patients with social security schemes.

Embedding counselling into primary healthcare ensures every positive test is followed by culturally sensitive, professional support.

Sickle Cell Disease: Tackling Stigma and Misconceptions

SCD is often misinterpreted as a curse or lifestyle issue, leading to stigma and blame. Such misconceptions not only deepen emotional distress but also delay timely medical intervention. Genetic counselling reframes the condition as a scientifically understood, inherited disorder, shifting the narrative from superstition to evidence-based care.

By normalizing dialogue, it drives empathy-centered healthcare conversations and strengthens community resilience.

SCD is also often misinterpreted as a curse or lifestyle issue, leading to stigma and often blame. Such misconceptions not only deepen emotional distress but also delay timely medical intervention.

Genetic counselling reframes the condition as a scientifically understood, inherited disorder, shifting the narrative from superstition to evidence-based care. By normalizing dialogue, it encourages empathy-driven healthcare conversations and strengthens community resilience.

Sickle Cell Disease: Why Genetic Counseling Is Important

Sickle cell care cannot stop at diagnosis; counselling must accompany patients across every life stage from childhood through adolescence, marriage, pregnancy, and adulthood. This continuity transforms care from reactive to proactive, ensuring families are never left alone in their journey.

At the same time, awareness, education, and collaboration among clinicians, policymakers, patient groups, and communities are essential. Genetic counselling serves as the bridge between science and lived experience, enabling informed choices, reducing stigma, and promoting compassionate care that strengthens both families and the wider community.

(The author is Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director - ICMR-National Institute for Research on Blood and Immune Disorders – Mumbai).