​Seeing a streak of blood when you cough can be deeply unsettling. It often triggers a flood of anxious thoughts, with worst-case scenarios quickly dominating your mind. But is a single instance of blood-tinged sputum a direct indicator of something life-threatening?. Not necessarily, confirms Dr Nimish Shah, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, clarifying that in many cases, it could stem from simple throat irritation or a lingering infection.. According to him, “The most common cause of coughing up blood-streaked mucus is an upper respiratory tract infection, such as pharyngitis or laryngitis,” the pulmonologist points out while explaining that these infections can inflame the throat and airways, sometimes leading to slight bleeding.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. “It can also result from persistent or excessive coughing due to allergies or throat irritation, which may cause rupture of small mucosal capillaries, leading to blood-streaked mucus.” In some cases, it may also be an early sign of a viral or bacterial pneumonia.. Importantly, the blood may not always originate from the lungs. “It could be trickling down from the back of the nose and then being coughed out.”. Severe acid reflux is another possible cause, where acid reaching the vocal cords can lead to irritation and blood-streaked mucus.. Story continues below this ad. If the root cause is not identified even after multiple tests and exams, the final step of evaluation is a bronchoscopy (Image: Wikimedia commons). When it may need attention. Since the reasons can vary so widely, identifying whether the issue is minor or serious depends largely on the individual’s medical history. If a person is otherwise healthy and has clear preceding symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat, the condition can be monitored initially. But persistence is a red flag.. “However, if you have any health comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension, or if you are on blood thinners, or if you have a fever which is not settling down, or if you start to feel breathless, then it is not something to be ignored and needs to be looked into by a specialist.”. He also clarifies that “when we talk about coughing up blood, this refers to fresh blood, not blood mixed with mucus.” This is called hemoptysis, and anything more than two tablespoonfuls should receive immediate medical attention, as it can be life-threatening.. Also Read | ‘What are the noticeable physical signs that your insulin resistance is improving, such as changes in skin or weight?’. How doctors investigate the cause. Diagnosis typically starts with a clinical examination, followed by a chest X-ray and blood tests to detect infection. If results remain unclear, further imaging such as a CT scan of the chest—and sometimes the sinuses and nose—i  

 ​Easter Sunday 2026 Date: Easter is a central Christian festival that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolising victory over sin and death. It represents hope, renewal, and new beginnings, and marks the culmination of Holy Week, which includes Good Friday. Traditions often include special meals, gatherings, and symbols like eggs that represent new life.. Easter Sunday in 2026 will be celebrated on April 5. The date changes each year as it is determined by the lunar calendar, falling on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. It is one of the most important festivals in Christianity and is observed with prayers, church services, and joyful celebrations across the world.. Easter Sunday History: The history of Easter Sunday dates back nearly 2,000 years to the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. According to Christian belief, Jesus was crucified on a Friday and rose from the dead on the following Sunday, an event that became the foundation of Christian faith.. Early Christians began gathering on Sundays to worship and remember the resurrection, though it took time for Easter to develop into an annual festival celebrated across different regions.. From the Archives: 3 easy treats to impress your loved ones this Easter. By the 4th century, church leaders established a method to determine its date based on the spring equinox and the full moon, linking it to the Jewish festival of Passover. Over time, Easter evolved into the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, symbolizing new life, hope, and spiritual renewal.. Easter Sunday Importance: The importance of Easter Sunday lies in its role as the cornerstone of Christian belief, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and affirming the promise of eternal life.. It serves as a powerful reminder of hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death, inspiring believers to embrace faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings.. Story continues below this ad. Also Read | What’s the difference between Easter egg chocolate and regular chocolate?. Beyond its religious significance, Easter also brings communities together through celebrations, prayers, and traditions that highlight joy, unity, and spiritual rebirth.. Easter Sunday Significance: The significance of Easter Sunday lies at the very heart of Christian faith, as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that represents victory over sin and death.. Wishing you a blessed Easter filled with love, joy, and peace.. It is considered the foundation of the belief in salvation and eternal life, affirming that through Christ’s resurrection, believers too can hope for new life.. The day also marks the joyful end of the Lenten season of fasting and penance, transforming a period of mourning into one of hope, renewal, and spiritual rebirth.  

 ​Soha Saif and Kunal. (Source: Instagram/@sakpataudi). In a candid conversation on the All About Her podcast, Saif Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu recalled their first meeting over a game of pool and the “rollercoaster” relationship advice Saif gave Kunal about marrying his sister, Soha Ali Khan.. “It was in a game of pool at a friend’s house. We played three sets. I was hoping to beat you guys in one game, but we lost 2-1. But I remember you complimented me on my biceps. So I was like, that’s a win-win.” When Saif asked, “How did I compliment you on your biceps? Did I say, “You have nice biceps?” to which Soha jokingly added, “You did touch them a lot. You do like touching him.”. Kunal further added, “I remember going to you with troubles I was having with her, and it was pretty much like my brother telling me what to do instead of the girl’s brother telling me. “You said, this is a rollercoaster you’ve decided to be on. Either you can get off, or you can enjoy the ride. And it was sane advice.”. Saif reiterated his first impression of Kunal, calling him a “lovely, lovely guy” — “He is warm and funny, very charming and a good storyteller. The Madgaon Express director, on the other hand, recalled his first time meeting Saif: “I was very nervous, meeting the superstar, also I was dating his sister. I hope he doesn’t kick my ass at pool” while Saif quipped, “Not with those biceps”.. View this post on Instagram. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, said that getting married early throws your identity for a toss. “You feel lost, and suddenly you’re expected to be someone’s partner, anchor, maybe even their emotional home. What eases the transition is support that doesn’t push maturity before readiness — space to grow, communicate, and rediscover yourself within the relationship, not just as a part of it,” she said, adding that support from extended family can make all the difference for a new member joining the family.. Comparing each other’s success. Counselling psychologist Athul Raj added that comparisons can leave a deep mark on a person. When one is constantly measured against another, it can make them question their own worth: ‘Am I good enough?’ Over time, this can lead to self-doubt, unnecessary competition, or hiding one’s true interests to avoid judgment.”. Success is personal and cannot be measured against someone else. Raj said that people with similar paths should focus on what truly matters to them–growth, learning, and happiness. “Setting individual goals, even small ones, helps shift the focus from comparison to personal achievement. Honest conversations about dreams and challenges can turn potential rivalry into support,” he shared.. ALSO READ | Soha Ali Khan shares how her and Kunal Kemmu’s love languages differ: ‘He said, I don’t think we can be friends’. Recognising each other’s unique strengths, whe  

 ​Individuals who are gluten intolerant may also experience bloating, discomfort in their abdomen, excessive gas, diarrhoea, or constipation (Images: Pexels). Persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, and irregular bowel habits are increasingly common complaints in gastroenterology clinics. While many patients suspect gluten intolerance, experts say the condition is often misunderstood and requires proper medical evaluation before dietary changes are made. According to Dr Saiprasad Lad, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic GI Endoscopist at S.L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, gluten-related symptoms are often linked to Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS).. “Patients often come to me complaining about prolonged abdominal discomfort and bloating. Many also report issues with bowel obstruction, especially when they consume anything that has gluten in it, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye,” he tells indianexpress.com. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Gluten intolerance vs celiac disease. Dr Lad clarifies that NCGS is different from Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the small intestinal lining. In contrast, NCGS does not cause structural damage, but symptoms can still significantly affect quality of life.. Dr Vikram Uttam Patil, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Interventional Endoscopist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital – Nagar Road, explains: “Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (also called gluten intolerance) may cause chronic intestinal disorders by irritating the gastrointestinal lining and interfering with how food is digested in the digestive system; however, unlike Celiac disease, this condition does not trigger an autoimmune reaction.”. He adds that wheat allergy is another distinct condition and can present with immediate allergic symptoms such as hives or breathing difficulty, though it is less common.. In some gluten-sensitive people, consuming wheat may lead to an immune-triggered inflammatory response (Image: ChatGPT generated). What happens in the gut. In gluten intolerance, consuming gluten may trigger inflammatory changes in the gut without the autoimmune destruction seen in Celiac disease.. Story continues below this ad. Dr Patil reveals that this may result in increased intestinal permeability (‘leaky gut’), abnormal intestinal motility, and fermentation of ingested food by intestinal microbes. “This may cause gas and discomfort in the individual, leading to bloating and abnormal bowel habits.”. Some of the common symptoms that may highlight gluten sensitivity, as pointed out by the gastro specialists, include:. Abdominal bloating and cramps. Excess gas and flatulence. Diarrhoea or constipation. Nausea and fatigue. Post-meal heaviness or incomplete digestion. Dr Patil also notes  

 ​Highlights from Adarsh Gourav’s North East road trip (Source: Instagram/@gouravadarsh). After delivering a memorable performance in Tu Yaa Main, Adarsh Gourav took a quick break to the North East. Checking off four of the seven sister states, he shared snippets from his travels on social media. “Assam➡️Nagaland ➡️Arunachal➡️Meghalaya➡️Assam, 3400 kms in the last 18 days by road,” he mentioned in the caption of his Instagram post.. Before you plan your summer getaway, take inspiration from this quick guide to the aforementioned North Eastern states, according to travel guide MakeMyTrip, and get started:. Assam. Guwahati, the state capital, is generally the starting point for most travellers. Flanked by the great Brahmaputra River on one side and lush green hills on the other, Guwahati is a curious blend of spirituality and commerce. What can you expect in Assam?. The ancient Kamakhya Temple is famous for its Hindu Tantric traditions and Shakti worship.. The 16th-century Umananda Temple, sacred to Lord Shiva, is on Peacock Hill, an island in the Brahmaputra.. About 40 km from Guwahati are the 11th or 12th-century ruins of Madan Kamdev Temple, named after the Hindu god of love, thanks to its erotic sculptures.. The Kaziranga National Park and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary are famous throughout the world as the abode of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. In Kaziranga, you can also spot the mighty tigers roaming around freely in their natural habitat.. Highlights from Adarsh Gourav’s North East road trip (Source: Instagram/@gouravadarsh). Nagaland. The highlights of Nagaland include Dzoukou Valley, which is 2,470 m above sea level and turns into a canvas of wildflowers and rhododendrons from November to March, perfect for trekking and camping. You can also go angling in the rivers or explore Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary. Nagaland also offers great shopping options, from the distinctive Naga shawls to a wealth of bamboo crafts.. Arunachal Pradesh. Between icy Himalayan peaks in the north and the Brahmaputra plains in its south are five emerald valleys watered by snow-fed rivers. Arunachal’s wild beauty is complemented by its rich tribal culture and ancient traditions of music, dance and craft.. A trip to Arunachal Pradesh is incomplete without a visit to Tawang. Located at an elevation of 2,669 m to the east of Bhutan, it is one of the top North East holiday destinations. The town is best known for its 400-year-old Buddhist monastery, which attracts a huge number of local devotees and tourists.. ALSO READ | Exploring Northeast through a bike ride. Meghalaya. Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, was a resort favoured by the British for its resemblance to the Scottish moors. Outdoor activities are aplenty – angling for carp and mahseer at Ranikor, Umngot or Kynshi, boating on the beautiful Umiam Lake, trekking, caving in the limestone hills of Jowai and golfing at Shillong’s natural golf course. October to November is harvest festiv