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.

People diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a 71% higher rate of death from any cause than those without the condition, new review published in JAMA Network Open states. The findings highlight health risks that extend beyond ADHD's core symptoms.

The study also found higher rates of death by suicide and injuries. ADHD medication, on the other hand, was reported to cause overall lower mortality.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Liverpool reviewed 19 observational studies involving nearly 16 million people across three continents.

Suicide And Injuries Among Key Concerns

The review found that people with ADHD had an 89% higher rate of death by suicide and a 55% higher rate of death from intentional or unintentional injuries, compared to people without ADHD.

Deaths from natural causes, including those related to physical health conditions, were also 27% higher.

Researchers said several factors could contribute to these findings. People with ADHD may experience difficulties with impulse control and emotional regulation, as well as higher rates of other mental health conditions. Challenges with attention may also contribute to accidental injuries, including road accidents.

Physical health risks due to lifestyle may play a role too. Smoking, alcohol use, substance abuse and accessing healthcare could affect these results.

Senior author Professor Joshua Stott of UCL said, “We found that people with ADHD face an increased risk not only of death by suicide and injury, but also of deaths by natural causes, adding to evidence that health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are broad and wide-ranging.”

Also read: ADHD: Debunking Common Misconceptions About ADHD

ADHD Medication Linked With Lower Mortality

The review found that people with ADHD who took prescribed medication had a 25% lower risk of death from any cause than those who did not take medication.

However, this finding was based on only three of the 19 studies included in the review. The researchers said that more research is needed to understand whether medication directly reduces mortality risk.

First author Lucy Corrigan of the University of Liverpool said, “Our findings provide early evidence to suggest that medication may play an important role in supporting the health of people with ADHD, but this is based on a small number of studies and further research is needed to clarify this link. And medication is just part of the story; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support.”

Also read: Adult ADHD: How Does It Impact People's Lives? What Are Its Symptoms?

More Investigation Needed

The researchers said that all the studies included in the review were observational. This means the results show associations and cannot establish that ADHD itself causes early death or that medication prevents it. The studies also differed in their methods and in the size of the risks they reported.

Stott said, “ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition as the right support and treatment can help people with ADHD to live long and healthy lives. Our findings underscore the importance of ensuring that everyone who may have ADHD has access to accurate diagnosis and treatment. While ADHD diagnosis rates have risen in recent years, they may still lag behind actual prevalence, particularly for older age groups where mortality risk may be most pertinent.”

Morning walks are a popular part of many older adults’ daily routines. But is walking alone enough to maintain bone strength and prevent osteoporosis as we age?

Walking 30–40 minutes every day is a good habit. However, it may not be enough to maintain bone and muscle strength as we age. A person may walk daily and still struggle to get up from a low chair or maintain balance on an uneven surface. These are important signs of functional strength that deserve as much attention as daily step counts, experts said on World Osteoporosis Day.

Falls are a significant concern among older adults worldwide. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies estimated that 26.5% of older adults globally experienced falls. In India, a 2026 analysis of data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India found that 11.56% of adults aged 60 and older reported a history of falls. Chronic joint disease was among the factors independently associated with falls.

Why Walking Alone May Not Be Enough

Also read: Osteoporosis Affects Nearly 20% Of US Women Aged 50+: Why Screening Is Key

Dr. Siddhart Yadav, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, told HealthandMe that bone density and muscle mass tend to decline with age.

“In women, bone loss can accelerate after menopause, while men too are at risk of age-related bone loss. When weaker bones are combined with reduced muscle strength and poor balance, even a relatively minor fall can result in a fracture, particularly around the hip or wrist,” he said.

“While women are hit hardest, often assuming household chores are adequate exercise, men are equally vulnerable as muscle mass silently declines after 50. In both, excess weight paired with weak muscle leaves weaker bones exposed to fractures during simple falls,” Dr. Thineshchandar Andiappan, Senior Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Athulya Geriatric Hospital told HealthandMe.

What Exercises Should Adults Over 60 Include?

A casual morning walk alone may not provide enough stimulus to maintain bone density, muscle strength, and balance. Experts recommend combining walking with progressive resistance and strength training. Starting in your 40s can help preserve strength, but it is never too late to begin an appropriate exercise routine.

Along with regular walking, older adults should include simple strength and balance exercises in their routine.

Dr. Siddhart suggested chair sit-to-stands, supported squats, heel raises, and resistance-band exercises to help maintain the strength needed for everyday activities. Light dumbbell exercises for the upper body can also help strengthen the arms, shoulders and other upper-body muscles.

Exercises should be introduced gradually and tailored to individual health and mobility, particularly for people with osteoporosis or a history of fractures.

A 30-40-minute walk is beneficial, but it does not have to be completed in one stretch. If the muscles begin to feel tired, taking a short break of two to three minutes before resuming the walk is reasonable.

Diet and Vitamin D Also Matter

Read More: Osteoporosis Drugs Offer New Hope For Back Pain By Blocking Disc Mineralisation: Study

Along with exercise, adequate nutrition supports bone and muscle health. Calcium-rich foods such as milk, curd, paneer, ragi and sesame, together with adequate protein, can help meet nutritional needs. Vitamin D levels should be assessed when clinically indicated.

“Falls in elderly persons happen more often due to instability, muscle weakness, and other reasons. It is very important to address all the issues in addition to the management of osteoporosis for preventing such fractures. The comprehensive treatment will include a good diet, adequate sunlight exposure, in addition to exercises, which must involve weight training and stability-building training,” Dr. V Singaravadivelu, Senior Consultant and Academic Lead, Orthopaedic Surgery, Kauvery Hospital told HealthandMe.

A sugar naturally found in red meat may help explain why beef and lamb have long been linked to type 2 diabetes, according to a large new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes’ Annual Meeting in Milan.

Researchers tracked nearly 90,000 adults with no history of diabetes or cancer through NutriNet-Sante, a long-running French health study, according to a release from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Over a median follow-up of 7.2 years, 966 participants developed type 2 diabetes.

The focus was a sugar called N-glycolylneuraminic acid, or Neu5Gc, found mainly in beef and lamb. People with the highest intake of meat-derived Neu5Gc had a 63% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest intake, the EASD reported. The risk rose steadily with intake: the second-highest group already carried a 41% higher risk.

“This is a relative risk: people in the top fifth of meat-derived Neu5Gc intake had a 63% higher risk than those in the bottom fifth, after accounting for many other factors,” said lead author Dr. Leopold Fezeu of Universite Sorbonne Paris Nord told Medical News Today. “It does not mean that 63% of high consumers will develop diabetes.”

Also Read: World Osteoporosis Day: Why Women Face A Higher Risk of Osteoporosis As They Age

Why Scientists Suspect Inflammation

Most mammals produce Neu5Gc naturally, but humans lost that ability after an ancient genetic mutation, according to the EASD. The sugar can still enter the body through food and get absorbed into human tissue. Because the body doesn’t recognise Neu5Gc as its own, the immune system may treat it as foreign, producing antibodies against it in a prolonged immune response called xenosialitis, previously linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“Our findings support chronic inflammation as a specific mechanism linking red meat consumption with T2D, partly beyond the amount of red meat a person eats and partly independent of body fat,” Fezeu said.

What Are The Key Findings?

Not just weight: Notably, obesity accounted for only about 13% of the link between Neu5Gc intake and diabetes risk, the EASD reported, suggesting the sugar’s effects may extend beyond weight gain alone.

Dairy showed no link: Despite also containing Neu5Gc, dairy products showed no association with diabetes risk, likely because cow’s milk contains far smaller amounts than red meat.

An important caveat

When researchers additionally adjusted for total red meat intake, the Neu5Gc-diabetes link weakened and was no longer statistically significant, though it pointed the same direction.

“There may be differences between sources, or other components of red meat may contribute,” Fezeu said, meaning the study can’t fully separate Neu5Gc’s effect from red meat generally.

What comes next

Since the study is observational, it cannot prove Neu5Gc causes diabetes. Fezeu’s team plans to measure antibodies against Neu5Gc directly and study how it interacts with iron in red meat.

“Future research should explore whether reducing exposure to meat-derived Neu5Gc, for example by favoring poultry or plant-based proteins over beef and lamb... could help prevent T2D,” Fezeu said.