Image Credit: Canva
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.
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.
The viruses that cause a sore throat are usually similar to a cold in their symptoms and tend to be milder than bacterial infections.
- 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, mainly strep throat, are more severe and require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
- 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.
Throat irritation is caused by postnasal drip. Allergies create a buildup and drip of mucus down the back of the throat.
- 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.
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.
Viral infections and allergies often respond well to non-invasive treatments:
Let your body rest sufficiently. Humidifying dry air will help keep the throat moist, especially when winter is on its way.
Bacterial infections require antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Finish the treatment completely to avoid reoccurrence or resistance.
Prevention is better than cure, and simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:
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.
Credit: AI generated image
Higher temperatures in the US could increase heat-related heart disease by 200 per cent by 2050, according to an alarming study.
The research, published in JAMA Cardiology, predicts rising temperatures driven by climate change will dramatically increase heat-related heart disease in the US.
It is already known that extreme heat is detrimental to heart health and can potentially trigger heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
"But this study is the first to map out exactly how bad the problem could get—county by county, across the US. It also highlighted how states with lower median household incomes are likely to face higher heat-related heart disease burden," said Gokul Parameswaran, research associate at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine's Cardiovascular Research Institute and the study's lead author.
Researchers analyzed heart disease data in each county in the contiguous US from 2010 to 2016 to develop projections through 2050.
They found that the Pacific Northwest has the highest heat-related heart disease rate in the country. Southern states, however, are projected to see the steepest increases by 2050.
"Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a health equity crisis, and prioritizing vulnerable communities must be at the center of any heat mitigation strategy," said Salil Deo, associate professor in the Department of Surgery.
Also read: Global Temperatures Likely To Stay Near Record Levels For Next Five Years: WMO
The study also found that aging — independent of temperature increases — will contribute an additional 34 per cent increase in heat-related heart disease by 2050, simply because there will be more older adults by then.
The study comes amidst more frequent heat events in the US, which is also lasting longer, and the temperatures during heat events are going up.
The past 10 years, from 2015 to 2024, were the hottest on record globally. But in cities across the United States, the average rate of extreme heat events increased from two per year in the 1960s to 10 per year between 2010 and 2020, according to Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), a Washington-based NGO.
Also Read:‘Heat Dome’ Triggering Record-Breaking May Temperatures In France, UK, Spain
Additionally, as of 2024, the average length of heat-wave season in the US has increased by 46 days since the 1960s.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when temperatures rise, the heart must work harder to keep the body cool, and the likelihood of developing sudden clots in the bloodstream increases.
Read More: Can Extreme Heat Trigger Heart Palpitations? Expert Explains Risks
This extra stress on the heart due to high heat may lead to heart attacks or sudden worsening of heart disease, especially in the elderly or those with prior heart conditions.
"Climate change is not a distant, abstract threat," said Sanjay Rajagopalan, director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute and chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute.
"It is a present and growing danger to the hearts of every American, and it is coming for the most vulnerable among us first. The choices made today about greenhouse gas emissions, urban planning, and health care policy will determine whether tens of thousands of Americans live or die from heat-related heart disease by 2050," he added.
Credit: iStock
Diabetes is not only a disorder affecting blood sugar levels, but it also increases the risk of heart disease. People who have diabetes are more prone to get affected by heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and blockage of arteries than people without diabetes. Because of this strong link, diabetes care needs a focus on both blood sugar control and heart care.
One of the biggest improvements in diabetes care is the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies. These medications not only help to control sugars but also reduce the risk of heart disease. When a person combines GLP-1 treatment along with a healthy lifestyle, they can improve their overall well-being and lead a good quality of life.
Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are interlinked. Diabetes increases heart disease risk by 2 to 4 times. Over a period of time, when the sugars are chronically high, blood vessels and nerves that support the heart get damaged. Many individuals with diabetes also have additional risk factors, such as:
These conditions can make a person vulnerable to a heart attack and stroke. Studies show that people with Type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those without diabetes.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. These therapies help by:
GLP-1 therapies help control blood sugar. Beyond this, these treatment regimens provide many more benefits. Research shows that these medications can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
In addition, GLP-1 therapies help in weight reduction. Obesity is also linked to diabetes and heart disease. Hence, GLP-1 therapies help to reduce weight and the risk of developing heart diseases.
Medications are important in controlling blood sugars. However, the medication therapies need to be combined with a healthy lifestyle, which can remain the foundation of diabetes and heart disease care.
A balanced, healthy plate can improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to include:
Whole grains
Vegetables and fruits
Lean proteins
Nuts and seeds
Healthy fats
By restricting sugars, processed and ultra-processed foods, extra salt, and unhealthy trans-fats, one can reduce weight and support heart health.
Regularized physical activity routines help improve insulin sensitivity and strengthen the heart. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and strength training can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Experts generally recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week.
Even small amounts of weight loss can improve blood sugar control and reduce stress on the heart. The combination of GLP-1 therapies, healthy lifestyle, controlled eating, and regular exercise gives better long-term results.
Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are closely interlinked, making complete diabetes care essential. GLP-1 therapies are changing diabetes management by offering benefits beyond glycemic control, including heart protection and weight reduction.
However, tablets and medicines alone cannot do all the work. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and proper weight management, must contribute equally. GLP-1 therapies and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce heart-related risks and improve overall well-being in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Credit: iStock
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, chronic pain, bladder disturbances, gait imbalance, and blurry vision, among others. These symptoms fluctuate, progress over time, become life-limiting, and are not always outwardly visible.
Growing evidence shows that early diagnosis and timely initiation of high-efficacy therapies (HETs) can slow disease progression, reduce relapses, and preserve long-term neurological function. For many individuals living with MS, the struggle goes beyond simply managing their condition. It is also about whether the full impact of the disease is adequately recognized and understood by policymakers, healthcare systems, and the public at large.
Although MS is recognized as a disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, people living with MS (PwMS) continue to face difficulties accessing disability-related support because their symptoms are not always consistent, visible, or measurable during assessment. This is particularly relevant in a condition like MS, where some of the most disabling symptoms remain invisible.
The effects of MS extend far beyond mobility issues alone. Fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, neuropathic pain, bladder dysfunction, visual disturbances, and emotional strain can significantly hinder a person's ability to work, engage socially, manage responsibilities, and fully participate in everyday activities.
One of the less understood aspects of MS is cognitive impairment, which affects a significant proportion of PwMS. MS causes inflammation in the brain and contributes to brain volume loss, thereby slowing processing speed, affecting concentration, impairing memory, and making planning or multitasking increasingly difficult. Even routine activities such as maintaining conversations, remembering instructions, or completing everyday tasks may become mentally exhausting.
Because many of these symptoms are episodic, variable, or invisible, PwMS may sometimes delay seeking specialist care, while the impact of the disease may also be underestimated by those around them. Yet, MS disease activity can continue even when symptoms appear intermittent or mild.
In MS, treatment decisions regarding the early initiation of the appropriate therapy (platform disease-modifying therapy versus high-efficacy therapy) can meaningfully influence long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Because slowing disease progression often requires highly potent intervention, evaluating a drug’s long-term safety profile becomes just as critical as its efficacy. Certain therapies may carry a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)—a rare and potentially fatal viral brain infection that occurs under severe immunosuppression. Therefore, choosing a high-efficacy treatment with a favorable long-term safety profile is paramount.
MS is inherently unpredictable. A person may appear physically stable during one evaluation but experience significant neurological difficulties during a relapse or disease flare-up.
In clinical practice, neurologists evaluate MS through disease progression, relapse patterns, imaging findings, and the EDSS scale (a standardized method used to quantify and measure the level of disability in PwMS).
Improving understanding of invisible symptoms in MS is important not only for social awareness but also for enabling patients to access timely care. Greater clarity, consistency, and sensitivity in approaches to chronic neurological conditions can help ensure that PwMS are better supported across healthcare, workplace, and social settings.
Earlier diagnosis, timely intervention, and stronger recognition of the day-to-day realities of living with MS can together help patients preserve dignity, maintain independence, and achieve better long-term outcomes.
© 2024 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited