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.

The IVF laboratory is a critical place where science and precision come together to help create embryos. Here, the expert explains the careful measures that take place inside the lab and the important role of the embryologist in helping couples achieve parenthood.

Many couples are battling infertility and are advised to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. The couples tend to focus on various factors such as doctor consultations, hormone injections, and embryo transfer.

However, one of the most important parts of the treatment happens in the IVF laboratory. Couples are often unaware of what happens behind the closed doors in the IVF lab.

The IVF Lab: A Highly Controlled Environment

Did you know? Highly trained embryologists work with advanced technology when it comes to handling the eggs, sperm, and embryos in the IVF laboratory.

They are the ones who are responsible for planning and carrying out every step with accuracy to be able to give embryos the best possible environment for healthy development.

The lab is a controlled and sterile space wherein the temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting are strictly monitored to be able to protect the delicate eggs and embryos.

Even small changes in the environment tend to impact embryo development, so strict quality standards are followed every day by the expert.

Also read: From Hope To Parenthood: How IVF And Embryology Are Changing The Fertility Journey For Couples

From Egg Retrieval to Fertilisation

The process commences after the woman's eggs are collected during a minor procedure. On the same day, the male partner will also provide a semen sample, or previously frozen sperm, if needed. The embryologist will examine both the eggs and sperm under a microscope to check the quality.

Then the healthiest sperm are selected to fertilise the eggs.

Fertilisation will occur after the egg and the sperm are placed together in a special culture dish or via a procedure known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), wherein a single healthy sperm is directly injected into the egg.

The expert will decide the method after knowing the couple's fertility condition.

Also read: Delhi's Poor AQI, Monsoon Conditions Put Children's Lungs at Risk: Ways to Keep Kids Safe

Monitoring Embryo Development

When fertilisation happens, the embryos are placed in special incubators that closely mimic the conditions inside the human body.

Over the next few days, embryologists monitor their growth and development, and some embryos may undergo genetic testing to identify certain inherited or chromosomal conditions before they are transferred.

The Embryologist's Role in Ensuring Safety and Success

Understand that the embryologist maintains detailed records and follows strict identification protocols to ensure every egg, sperm, and embryo is accurately matched with the correct patient.

Hence, the embryologist plays a vital role in every successful IVF journey.

Ravi is 34 years old. He goes to the gym three times a week, weighs a healthy 68 kg, and has never been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure. During his company's annual health check-up, an ultrasound revealed four unexpected words: Grade 1 Fatty Liver.

Like many people, Ravi was shocked. "How is that possible?" he asked. "I'm not overweight."

The answer reflects a growing reality that is changing how liver specialists understand one of India's fastest-growing liver diseases.

The Old Story Vs The New Reality

For years, fatty liver—now medically known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)—was considered a condition affecting people who were overweight, had diabetes, or consumed excessive alcohol.

That understanding is no longer complete.

Today, we increasingly diagnose fatty liver in individuals who are lean, appear metabolically healthy, and do not consume alcohol. This condition, often referred to as lean MASLD, accounts for nearly 10–20% of fatty liver cases in Asia. Given the unique genetic and metabolic profile of South Asians, the true burden in India may be even higher.

So, What Is Actually Going On? The reasons are more complex than body weight alone—and many are hiding in plain sight.

Also read: Do People With Type 2 Diabetes Face A Higher Risk of Severe Dengue? New Review Says Yes

Your Genes May Be Working Against You

Certain genetic variants, particularly PNPLA3, make the liver more likely to store fat even when the rest of the body appears healthy. This genetic predisposition is significantly more common among South Asians than Western populations.

In other words, you may be lean, eat reasonably well, and still develop fatty liver because of your inherited biology.

Hidden Metabolic Dysfunction

A normal body weight does not always mean a healthy metabolism.

Many lean Indians carry excess visceral fat—fat stored around internal organs rather than under the skin. This "skinny fat" phenomenon is especially common in our population and is strongly linked to liver fat accumulation and inflammation, despite a normal BMI.

Also read: Subtle Warning Signs Of Serious Health Conditions That Only Your Partner Can Notice

It's Not Just How Much You Eat — It's What You Eat

A diet rich in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can overwhelm the liver.

Frequent consumption of foods such as white rice, refined flour (maida), packaged snacks, biscuits, sugary beverages, and fruit juices provides excess fructose, which the liver converts directly into fat.

Over time, this process promotes fatty liver—even in individuals who never become overweight.

By Dr. Chetan Kalal, DM Hepatology, Liver Transplant Specialist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai

For most people, dengue is associated with high fever, severe body aches, headache, fatigue, and a temporary drop in platelet count. With proper care, the majority of patients recover completely within a couple of weeks. However, doctors caution that in rare instances, dengue can leave behind an unexpected complication that affects the nervous system rather than the blood—Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

What Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?

GBS is an uncommon autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. It usually develops after an infection, and growing evidence suggests that dengue can be one of the infections capable of triggering this immune response. While the chances remain low, the condition can progress rapidly and requires prompt medical attention.

The condition affects the nerves and can cause increasing weakness in the legs, arms, face and swallowing.

Also read: Do People With Type 2 Diabetes Face A Higher Risk of Severe Dengue? New Review Says Yes

How Dengue Can Trigger GBS

Unlike the fever and body pain seen during active dengue infection, GBS often appears days or even weeks after the patient seems to be recovering. This delay can make it easy to overlook the connection.

Our immune system protects our body by fighting infections. In some rare cases an infection like dengue can trigger a strange immune response where our body mistakenly attacks its own nerves.

Nerves carry signals between our brain and the rest of our body allowing us to move and feel normally. When nerves get damaged it disrupts the signals from our brain leading to muscle weakness tingling and other symptoms.

Someone who has recently recovered from dengue may suddenly notice tingling in the feet or hands, weakness in the legs, difficulty climbing stairs, or an unsteady walk. As the condition progresses, the weakness may spread upwards, affecting the arms, facial muscles, swallowing, or even the muscles responsible for breathing.

The exact reason this happens is believed to be an abnormal immune response. Instead of switching off after fighting the dengue virus, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of the nerves, disrupting the signals between the brain and muscles. This results in the characteristic muscle weakness seen in GBS.

Guillain-Barre syndrome usually develops when we are recovering from dengue or even days to weeks after the fever has gone away.

Also read: India’s First Approved Dengue Vaccine: Takeda’s QDENGA Protects Against All Four Virus Serotypes

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Feeling tired and fatigued is common, after dengue. Usually gets better slowly. However, we need to differentiate it from weakness. Neurological weakness means our muscle movements are affected.

It often starts in our legs. We may notice it is getting harder to climb stairs get up from a chair or walk normally. This weakness can sometimes spread to our arms and face. In cases it can even affect our swallowing or breathing which may require ICU and ventilator support.

Although dengue-related GBS is rare, recognising the warning signs early can make a significant difference. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and improve recovery.

Any person who develops new weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, facial drooping, trouble swallowing, or breathlessness in the weeks following dengue should seek immediate medical evaluation rather than assuming it is part of normal post-viral fatigue.

Also read: Will Waterborne Diseases Rise In The Future? New Study Says Climate Change Could Be A Major Driver

Why Early Recognition Matters

The reassuring news is that most people with dengue will never develop Guillain-Barre syndrome. Nevertheless, awareness remains important because the condition can become serious if left untreated.

Preventing mosquito bites, eliminating stagnant water around homes, and seeking medical care early for suspected dengue remain the best ways to reduce the risk of both the infection and its uncommon complications.

The main thing to remember this monsoon is simple: feeling tired after dengue's normal but if our weakness is getting worse we should not ignore it. Recognizing this difference. Getting medical help early can help us identify this rare but treatable complication on time.

As dengue cases rise during the monsoon, recovery should not simply be measured by the disappearance of fever. Paying attention to new neurological symptoms after the illness has resolved can help ensure that a rare but potentially life-threatening complication is recognised before it becomes an emergency.

By Dr. Abizer Manked, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai and Dr. Arun Shah, Director Neurosciences, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai