The role of nasal congestion as a defence against respiratory viruses.
Clin Otolaryngol
; 46(1): 4-8, 2021 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-865835
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
This review discusses how nasal congestion may have benefits as a mechanism of defence against respiratory viruses.METHODS:
A literature research was conducted on respiratory viruses and nasal congestion, following a recently published review on how temperature sensitivity is important for the success of common respiratory viruses.RESULTS:
The literature reported that common respiratory viruses are temperature sensitive and replicate well at the cooler temperatures of the upper airways (32°C), but replication is restricted at body temperature (37°C). The amplitude of the phases of congestion and decongestion associated with the nasal cycle was increased on infection with respiratory viruses and this caused unilateral nasal congestion and obstruction. Nasal congestion and obstruction increase nasal mucosal temperature towards 37°C and therefore restricted the replication of respiratory viruses.CONCLUSION:
Nasal congestion associated with the nasal cycle may act as a mechanism of respiratory defence against infection with respiratory viruses.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Respiratory Tract Infections
/
Virus Diseases
/
Nasal Obstruction
/
Immunity, Mucosal
/
Nasal Mucosa
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Clin Otolaryngol
Journal subject:
Otolaryngology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Coa.13658
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS