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.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutide widely used to improve diabetes control and promote weight loss, may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new study.

The study found that the effect was particularly notable among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as those with both IBD and type 2 diabetes. Both conditions are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer due to chronic inflammation and metabolic changes that may promote tumor development.

"GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of colorectal cancer in all patients with IBD, as well as the subpopulation with both IBD and type 2 diabetes," said lead author Sarina Ailawadi of Case Western Reserve University, US.

"Given the elevated colorectal cancer risk in IBD, these findings suggest a potential protective effect of GLP-1 RA use in this high-risk population. Prospective studies will be important to further analyze and confirm this potential benefit," she added.

The findings will be presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Breakthrough meeting, scheduled for June 25–27 in Singapore.

Also read: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Launches Reforms To Speed Up Early Drug Research In US

How Was The Study Conducted?

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 69,221 people in the US, including GLP-1 RA users and non-users.

Researchers also identified 209,649 people with both IBD and type 2 diabetes, including 38,567 who had taken a GLP-1 RA.

After matching users and non-users for various characteristics, data from 37,740 patients were analyzed. The GLP-1 RA group included people taking semaglutide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide, exenatide, liraglutide, or lixisenatide.

The researchers compared the five-year incidence of colorectal cancer between GLP-1 RA users and non-users.

Among people with IBD, the five-year incidence of colorectal cancer was 0.2% in GLP-1 RA users compared with 0.42% in non-users. The odds ratio was 0.49, indicating a 51% lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer among GLP-1 RA users.

Among patients with both IBD and type 2 diabetes, the five-year incidence of colorectal cancer was 0.31% in GLP-1 RA users and 0.57% in non-users. The odds ratio was 0.54, suggesting a 46% lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.

The researchers noted that prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential protective effect of GLP-1 RAs on colorectal cancer risk.

Do IBD and Type 2 Diabetes Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Read More: Natural Origin or Lab Leak? Gabbard Reignites COVID Origins Debate, Claims Fauci Funded Wuhan Lab Research

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, likely because of chronic inflammation in the intestines. People with IBD are estimated to be six times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those without the condition.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, also increases colorectal cancer risk and is becoming more common among people with IBD. Scientists believe that individuals with both conditions may face an especially high risk because of the combined effects of chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, many are now widely used for weight management.

These medications mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone by stimulating insulin release, slowing digestion, and increasing feelings of fullness.

Beyond blood sugar control and weight loss, GLP-1 RAs have been linked to several health benefits, including lower blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk. Previous studies have also suggested that they may lower the risk of colorectal cancer and other obesity-related cancers.

However, their specific impact on colorectal cancer risk among people with IBD has remained unclear until now.

A new study involving more than 13,000 parents suggests that parents who have sons may experience faster cognitive decline in later life compared to parents who only have daughters. While the findings may sound surprising, researchers stress that the results are linked to long-term caregiving and social support—not biology.

The research, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, explored how family composition might affect cognitive health as people grow older.

What Did The Study Find?

Researchers from Columbia University and Charles University analyzed data from 13,222 adults aged 50 and above who participated in the US Health and Retirement Study.

The team discovered several important patterns:

Parents with at least one son showed a faster rate of cognitive decline than parents who had only daughters.

The association was observed in both mothers and fathers, suggesting the effect is driven by social and caregiving factors rather than biological differences.

Parents with multiple sons experienced an even steeper decline in cognitive function over time compared to parents whose children were all daughters.

The researchers concluded that having sons was associated with a faster decline in memory and thinking abilities during older adulthood.

Why Might Daughters Make A Difference?

The researchers believe the explanation lies in family dynamics rather than genetics.

Previous studies have consistently shown that daughters are more likely to provide emotional support, regular communication, and hands-on caregiving as their parents age. This ongoing engagement may help keep parents mentally active and socially connected—two factors that are strongly associated with healthier brain aging.

Experts often refer to this as the "daughter effect." Strong emotional bonds and frequent social interactions are known to protect cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related mental decline.

How Was Cognitive Health Measured?

Participants' cognitive abilities were evaluated every two years using several standard mental performance tests, including:

• Immediate and delayed word recall tests
• Serial subtraction exercises
• Backward counting tasks

These assessments allowed researchers to track changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills over several years.

Even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, health status, and socioeconomic background, the relationship between having sons and faster cognitive decline remained significant.

Previous Research Supports Similar Findings:

The study also builds on earlier research that linked having more sons with poorer long-term maternal health outcomes, including an increased risk of dementia.

By examining both mothers and fathers, the new research suggests the relationship extends beyond pregnancy-related biological factors and is more likely connected to differences in caregiving and emotional support provided by adult children.

Also Read: UK Met Office Warns of 'Pollen Bomb': What Hay Fever Patients Need to Know

What Does This Mean For Families?

The findings should not be interpreted as a reason to worry about having sons. Instead, they highlight the importance of maintaining strong family relationships, staying socially active, and ensuring older adults receive emotional and practical support regardless of their children's gender.

Researchers say that healthy aging depends on many interconnected factors, and supportive relationships can play an important role in preserving cognitive function over time.

The study suggests that parents with sons may experience faster cognitive decline than parents with only daughters, with the effect becoming stronger as the number of sons increases. However, experts caution that family composition is just one small piece of the puzzle. Healthy lifestyle habits, social connections, education, and quality caregiving remain the most important factors for maintaining brain health throughout aging.

Pop singer Madonna has opened up about knee damage caused by years of dancing in high heels.

The 67-year-old superstar said running and Ashtanga yoga also added stress to her joints, leaving her with “no cartilage” in her knee, according to Interview Magazine.

“I have a bad knee now. I have no cartilage in it, thanks to dancing for so long in high heels and running on pavement and doing Ashtanga yoga,” Madonna told the magazine.

“Up until a year ago, I was jumping on trampolines and doing dance cardio and doing a lot of what a doctor would call loading on my joints. Can’t do that anymore,” she added.

Madonna said she still works out regularly while listening to her new album Confessions II, but has had to modify her fitness routine to accommodate the injury.

The Queen of Pop said she now focuses on “Peloton bikes and the Versa Climber and high-intensity circuit training. I ride my bike outside a lot. I dance.”

Madonna has previously been open about her knee injury and its impact on her career. In October 2019, she postponed a scheduled Madame X show in Brooklyn, New York.

“It's Hard for Madame to admit that she is also a human being made of flesh and blood and she must rest for the next 3 days to insure full recovery for her knee,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I am not a quitter. This hurts me more than you can imagine. It's time to take those heels and fishnets off for a few days!”

Also read: Marketa Vondrousova Banned For 4 Years From Tennis: How Doping Tests Work

Can High Heels Affect Knee Health?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of disability, is more prevalent in women than men. Wearing high-heeled shoes has been implicated as a potential contributing factor to the higher lifetime risk of osteoarthritis in women.

Several studies have examined the relationship between high heels and knee health. Motion analysis studies have shown changes in knee alignment while walking in heels, changes that researchers have suggested may resemble patterns seen in ageing and knee osteoarthritis progression.

Read More: UK Met Office Warns of 'Pollen Bomb': What Hay Fever Patients Need to Know

A 2025 study published in The Knee by researchers from the Singapore Institute of Technology found that wearing 8-cm high-heeled shoes significantly reduced the lateral joint space width of the knee in healthy young women during standing, suggesting increased lateral knee joint stress.

The findings suggest that high heels may specifically affect the lateral compartment of the knee, potentially contributing to increased joint stress during standing.

Wearing heels for long periods can increase the load on the knees. They alter posture and walking patterns, placing additional pressure on the knee joint. Over time, this may strain the ligaments and muscles surrounding the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and long-term damage.

In 2025, the Nicki Minaj Challenge, inspired by the rapper's 2013 song High School, gained traction on social media. The challenge, which involved balancing in high heels, reportedly resulted in injuries including fractures and, in some cases, deaths.