The role of nasal congestion as a defence against respiratory viruses

Eccles, Ronald ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9492-2062 2021. The role of nasal congestion as a defence against respiratory viruses. Clinical Otolaryngology 46 (1) , pp. 4-8. 10.1111/coa.13658

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1749-4478
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 October 2020
Date of Acceptance:	10 October 2020
Last Modified:	26 Nov 2024 06:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/135675

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