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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.
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Amid the ongoing monsoon season, Delhi-NCR is seeing a rise in H1N1 influenza cases, with Delhi reporting 1,344 cases so far this season.
The figure is nearly six times higher than the 229 H1N1 cases recorded during the same period last year, The Times of India reported.
According to health officials, Delhi recorded around 4,000 influenza cases last year, most of them caused by H3N2. This year, H1N1 is the dominant strain. Both H1N1 and H3N2 are subtypes of Influenza A and spread mainly through respiratory droplets.
H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A and can cause sudden fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and fatigue. These symptoms can overlap with those of other seasonal influenza strains, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), making it difficult to identify the infection based on symptoms alone.
Dr Aijaz Ilmi, Senior Consultant – Metabolic Diseases, Pacific OneHealth Hospital, told HealthandMe that testing is particularly important when fever or respiratory symptoms persist or worsen, especially among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with diabetes, obesity, heart or lung disease, or compromised immunity.
“With the current rise in H1N1 cases in Delhi, we are also seeing other seasonal respiratory infections, including Influenza A and B, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viruses. At the same time, the monsoon season brings an increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue.
“The key message is, don’t panic, but don’t dismiss a persistent fever as ‘just a viral’. Early recognition is particularly important in vulnerable individuals.”
H1N1 can be difficult to distinguish from other respiratory infections because many of them cause similar symptoms.
Dr Sharwari Sudhir Dabhade, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Diabetology & Endocrinology, Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, told HealthandMe that prevention should focus on reducing exposure and maintaining good hygiene. Other measures to reduce transmission include:
Most viral respiratory infections recover with supportive care. However, should seek prompt immediate medical assessment in cases of
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People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may face a higher risk of depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders years before they are diagnosed with the gut condition, a new study has discovered.
The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that the risk of psychiatric disorders began rising two to three years before an IBD diagnosis, peaked shortly after diagnosis and remained elevated for as long as a decade.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and other Swedish institutions analysed data from 43,862 people with IBD, comparing them with nearly 179,000 individuals from the general population and more than 26,000 IBD-free full siblings.
The sibling comparison was key as it helped researchers examine whether shared genetic or early-life environmental factors could explain any association.
Also read: Monsoon Gut Health: Addressing The Rise In Rotavirus And Viral Gastroenteritis Cases
The study found that the risk of developing any mental health disorder was already 15% higher two years before IBD diagnosis. It increased further around the time of diagnosis, reaching a roughly 50% higher risk within the first six months.
Although the risk reduced afterwards, it remained about 19% higher even 10 years after diagnosis. Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders and substance misuse accounted for much of the increase.
Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication use also began rising around a year before the IBD diagnosis.
Researchers called for mental health screening to begin early, including during the initial gastroenterology evaluation.
“It is time to actively manage psychiatric conditions in patients with IBD,” said Jiangwei Sun, PhD, the study’s lead author.
Also read: Following A Western Diet? Changes In Your Gut Bacteria Could Increase Colon Cancer Risk
IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
One possible explanation is the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication system connecting the digestive system and brain.
Inflammation, changes in gut bacteria and abnormal immune activity may affect brain function and overall mood. At the same time, stress and psychological distress can affect the gastrointestinal symptoms.
But researchers caution that the study merely shows an association, not proof that IBD directly causes depression or anxiety.
Some people may experience subtle or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms before receiving an official diagnosis, while the uncertainty and disruption caused by chronic symptoms could also affect mental health.
The findings follow previous research that shows psychiatric symptoms can surface before the patient is diagnosed with IBD.
A 2023 study examining longitudinal health records found that anxiety and depression occurred more frequently among people who were later diagnosed with IBD.
In a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis, it was observed that patients with a history of depression may have a small-to-moderate increased risk of subsequently developing IBD, suggesting that the relationship between the gut and mental health could work in both directions.
The new findings therefore signal that mental health symptoms may sometimes arrive years before IBD itself is formally diagnosed in patients.
For doctors, researchers say this highlights the need to treat IBD as more than a digestive disease, with psychological support and screening considered part of long-term care.
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Many people may dismiss swelling in an arm or leg, particularly if it's not painful. But if the swelling continues or keeps coming back, it could be a sign of lymphedema, a condition that affects the body's lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from body tissues. If this system is damaged or is not functioning correctly, fluid will accumulate, and lead to swelling. There are different causes of lymphedema such as some infections, injuries, congenital disorders and cancer therapies. Women who have had breast or gynaecological cancers may be at special risk if they had their lymph nodes removed or if radiation had been used.
Sometimes, lymphedema develops gradually. Signs and symptoms include swelling of one arm or leg, heaviness or tightness in the arm or leg, trouble putting on rings or a watch, and decreased movement in the arm or leg.
At times, the skin can also be tight and turn into a hard consistency over time. In certain patients, a second infection of the skin may occur.
These symptoms should not just be attributed to "normal swelling. An early evaluation may help determine the root cause and make the condition less complicated to deal with.
Also read: Full-Fat Dairy May Actually Be Healthy, Not Harm Weight or Cholesterol, Study Finds
Treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and its etiology. Treatment usually involves compression garments, special physiotherapy, gentle lymphatic massage, exercises and skin care. The techniques may be used to help decrease swelling and movement.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases of more severe or chronic lymphedema. New pathways can be created to allow the excess fluid to pass, such as in a lymphovenous bypass. For some patients, a transfer of lymph nodes or liposuction may be an option.
Additionally, for patients who have an increased risk of developing lymphedema, doctors may also recommend preventive measures for individuals who must have some type of cancer surgery. This implies that measures should be taken to ensure protection of the lymphatic drainage before any appreciable swelling occurs.
Also read: NIH Chief Urges Parents To Vaccinate Children As Measles Outbreak Breaks 35 Year Record
If swelling isn't severe, don't wait to get help. If there is any continued or unexplained swelling, there will be a specialist available to give information about the cause of the swelling and what treatment is appropriate.
Patients are provided with a holistic treatment pathway for lymphedema with multiple specialists treating their patients who came together for the diagnosis, rehabilitation and surgical treatment of lymphedema.
Treatment of lymphedema is not all about reducing swelling. The overall aim is to maintain a person's function, ease and independence in their daily activities.
If diagnosed early, and appropriately treated and followed-up, lymphedema can be managed successfully and patients can lead their life with a growing sense of confidence and comfort.
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