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.

A cough is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. But not every cough is a cause for panic, and not every cough is pneumonia.

According to Dr. Harshil Alwani, Consultant, Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, most coughs that follow a viral infection, allergy, or common cold usually fade within a week or ten days. These often come with mild throat irritation or a stuffy nose, and improve gradually with rest and hydration.

Pneumonia, however, is an entirely different story. The cough becomes harsher, more painful, and often brings up thick yellow or green sputum. Fever, chills, chest pain, and breathlessness are telltale signs that something deeper is going on. In severe cases, people may experience fatigue, confusion, or rapid breathing, especially older adults or those with chronic conditions. These are definite red flags that need urgent attention.

Not Always The Textbook Symptoms

What makes pneumonia particularly tricky, says Dr. Alwani, is that it doesn’t always appear with dramatic symptoms.

“In elderly individuals, or those with diabetes, heart disease, or weak immunity, pneumonia can present very quietly, sometimes just as low energy, loss of appetite, or mild breathlessness,” he explains. “That’s why subtle changes shouldn’t be ignored.”

A chest X-ray is the simplest and most reliable way to confirm pneumonia. In unclear cases, a CT scan can give a clearer picture, while blood tests like CRP or procalcitonin help determine whether the infection is bacterial (which may require antibiotics) or viral (where supportive care is enough).

Why Children Are Especially at Risk

Children, unfortunately, bear a large part of the global pneumonia burden.

Dr. Srikanta J.T., Consultant, Paediatric Interventional Pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, points out that pneumonia is riskier for children because their immune systems are still developing and their lungs are smaller. “Their bodies can’t fight infections as strongly as adults can,” he explains.

Malnutrition, lack of vaccination, and exposure to polluted air or cigarette smoke heighten the risk. In 2016 alone, India recorded over 1.58 lakh deaths among children under five due to pneumonia, with a death rate of 6.3 per 1,000 live births.

Poor sanitation, crowded homes, and delayed access to medical care make matters worse. “Children from low-income families are especially vulnerable,” Dr. Srikanta notes. “Simple steps like breastfeeding, timely vaccination, and clean air can save countless young lives.”

Why India Is Still a Hotspot

Two-thirds of all pneumonia and diarrhoea-related deaths occur in just 15 countries — and India is among them. Experts say the problem is linked to a mix of environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Overcrowded urban slums, polluted air, malnutrition, and poor healthcare access mean infections spread faster and treatment often comes too late. In rural areas, limited healthcare facilities and awareness make early diagnosis difficult.

“The situation worsens when antibiotics are used carelessly,” warns Dr. Srikanta. “We’re now seeing more drug-resistant pneumonia cases in children — infections that don’t respond to standard treatment, forcing doctors to use stronger, costlier drugs.”

The Role of Pollution and Climate Change

Rising air pollution and erratic weather are adding new challenges. Dirty air filled with smoke, dust, and harmful gases irritates the lungs, lowering their ability to fight infections. Sudden temperature shifts, like hot days followed by chilly nights, weaken immunity, helping bacteria and viruses thrive.

Floods, droughts, and poor air quality also limit access to clean water and nutrition, further increasing children’s vulnerability. “Cleaner energy and better air control aren’t just climate goals anymore,” Dr. Srikanta stresses. “They’re essential to protecting children’s lungs.”

New Hope: Vaccines and Awareness

Fortunately, progress is being made. New and updated vaccines are offering stronger protection against the bacteria that cause pneumonia. Governments and health organisations are expanding immunisation drives to reach children in remote and low-income regions. Awareness campaigns are also encouraging parents to complete all vaccine doses on time.

Experts say these combined efforts, along with better nutrition, hygiene, and early treatment — are gradually reducing pneumonia deaths worldwide. But there’s still a long way to go.

When to See a Doctor

Dr. Alwani advises not to “wait it out” if a cough lasts more than a week, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, fatigue, or breathlessness. “Timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and even save lives,” he says.

For prevention, he recommends staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, resting adequately, and avoiding cigarette smoke or polluted environments. “The goal isn’t just to treat pneumonia — it’s to strengthen your lungs and immunity so you don’t get it in the first place.”

Born without a brain, Alex Simpson of Nebraska defied all odds by celebrating her 20th birthday recently; doctors said she wouldn’t live past age four. Alex’s remarkable milestone made the news headlines; her parents Shawn and Lorena Simpson, shared her inspiring story with local news outlet KETV.

Hydranencephaly is very rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 pregnancies.

Alex was born with a condition where most of her brain is missing. As her father, Shawn, explained, "Hydranencephaly means that her brain is not there." He noted that she only has a small portion of her cerebellum, about "half the size of my pinky finger"—in the back of her head, but little else.

Tragically, doctors initially told the family that Alex was not expected to live past the age of four.

Can A Person Live Without A Brain?

Hydranencephaly, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is most often fatal within the first year of life, making Alex’s 20th birthday an exceptional medical outlier and a true testament to her strength and her family's devotion.

Hydranencephaly is a very rare birth defect that affects the central nervous system. A baby born with this condition is missing a significant part of the brain called the cerebral hemispheres.

Missing Parts

The cerebral hemispheres are the two large, front halves of the brain (the cerebrum). These parts are responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and movement control.

Fluid-Filled Sacs

Instead of the actual brain tissue, there are large sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is the fluid that normally acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord.

Outlook

Because so much of the brain is missing, the condition is usually fatal either before birth or shortly afterward. Babies who survive often develop an enlarged head and have severe symptoms.

What Causes A Baby To Be Born Without A Brain?

The Cleveland Clinic explains that abnormal brain formation happens during early pregnancy and it can be caused by a birth defect, injury, or illness. The exact cause is unknown. Scientists suspect it might be inherited, but they don't fully understand the pattern. Some cases have been linked to exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy.

Does Hydranencephaly Have Symptoms?

A baby born with hydranencephaly might seem normal at first. Symptoms usually appear within the first few weeks or months:

Head Size: The head gets larger than normal.

Growth Problems: Failure to gain weight or grow well ("failure to thrive").

Muscle Issues: Muscles might be too stiff (rigid arms/legs) or have increased or decreased tone and twitching.

Basic Senses: Problems with seeing and hearing.

Breathing: Difficulty breathing.

How is Hydranencephaly Diagnosed and Treated?

It can be spotted during a prenatal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to check the baby. If hydranencephaly is suspected, an MRI might be used for clearer pictures of the missing brain tissue.

If it wasn't seen before birth, a doctor will make the diagnosis based on the baby's symptoms and a detailed brain MRI. Other tests like a CT scan, angiography, which is an X-ray of blood vessels, or genetic testing may also be used.

There is no cure for hydranencephaly. So, the treatment focuses on making the baby as comfortable as possible and managing the symptoms:

Fluid Management

Surgery to place a shunt, which is a thin tube, can drain excess fluid from the skull to reduce pressure, which helps manage the enlarging head, though its effectiveness is limited compared to hydrocephalus.

Medication

Antiseizure medications may be given to control twitching or spasms.

Supportive Care

This includes nutritional support (feeding), physical therapy to help with muscle problems, and sometimes a tracheostomy or ventilator if the baby has trouble breathing.

Symptoms of menopause vary a lot, and many people do not know just how many ways menopause can affect a woman’s health. To explain it, Dr Jay Jagannathan, board-certified neurosurgeon pointed out how menopause can also neurologically affect women as well.

Menopause is the natural end to the reproductive years of a woman. However, what most people are not aware of is the way menopause can affect a woman’s health. In fact, even women are not as informed about it. In a 2022 study published in the Women’s Health journal, in their survey of 738 women showed that over 80% of them had no knowledge or some knowledge of menopause. This revealed that most women under 40 have limited education of menopause.

To tackle this, a lot of doctors like Dr Jagannathan take to social media and help educate more people about it.

Does Menopause Affect The Brain?

In the video caption, Dr. Jagannathan explained that when people talk about menopause, they usually focus on hot flashes, changes in mood, or concerns about bone thinning. But what's often missed is the major effect hormonal changes have on your brain. He further explained how estrogen is more than just a reproductive hormone—it functions as a neuroprotective shield for the brain.

• It plays a key role in regulating blood flow.
• It helps reduce inflammation.
• It actively protects brain cells from stress and damage.

When estrogen levels decline significantly during and after menopause, this vital protection weakens, leaving the brain more vulnerable.

How Does Hormone Decline Put Women At Neurological Risk?

When estrogen levels fall sharply during the menopausal transition, this vital protection is lost, which is why we see a rise in specific brain issues:

Increased Risk of Silent Strokes

A silent stroke is a tiny blockage in the brain's blood vessels that you usually don't notice. Over time, these small blockages add up and quietly damage areas of the brain, leading to problems with memory and thinking. Without estrogen's help to keep vessels healthy, these silent strokes become more common.

Accelerated Memory Decline

Memory is often the first thing affected. Women may notice they are more forgetful, have trouble finding the right words, or feel mentally "slow." This is partly because the areas of the brain responsible for memory are very sensitive to the drop in estrogen.

Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Persistent Cognitive Fog

Cognitive fog is that temporary feeling of being mentally fuzzy or unable to concentrate. Alzheimer's is a serious disease that causes severe memory loss. The loss of estrogen's protection is a major risk factor that increases the chances of developing Alzheimer's and experiencing chronic brain fog decades later.

How Can You Protect Your Brain During Menopause?

Dr Jagannath assures that it can be controlled. We can proactively manage this biological reality. Based on my clinical guidance, here are essential steps to safeguard your brain health:

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol, the health of the brain's vessels relies on it.
• Maintain consistent physical and mental activity.
• Focus on achieving restorative, high-quality sleep.
• Talk to your doctor about your hormone levels and overall vascular health; early monitoring is crucial.

He concluded the post by warning not to wait until problems start. Discussing your menopausal symptoms, hormone levels, and risk factors (like a family history of heart disease or dementia) with your doctor allows for early intervention, which might include hormone therapy or other medications to protect your vessels and brain.