Runny nose, sneezing, coughing... Science and prevention behind cold symptoms

 

1. Cold in everyday life, smart defense operation of our body

Colds that come around in-between seasons. While runny noses, sneezes, and coughs are considered simply uncomfortable symptoms, they are actually strong evidence that our bodies are fighting the virus. When a cold virus enters our nose or throat, our bodies declare an emergency to defeat the invader and cause certain symptoms to kick the virus out.

Runny nose is a 'liquid shield' that is secreted to cleanse and capture viruses.

Sneezing is a 'forced eviction' operation that blows the invading virus out of the body with the force of strong air.

Coughing is an 'internal cleaning' operation that prevents viruses from penetrating deeper into the bronchial tubes or lungs and discharges viruses that have already penetrated along with phlegm.

These symptoms are positive signs that our body's immune system is working normally.

2. Biochemical mechanisms hidden in symptoms

Cold symptoms don't just appear, they're the result of our body's complex biochemical reactions. When the cold virus (mainly the rhinovirus) penetrates into the respiratory mucous membrane cells, the immune cells immediately secrete signals called cytokines and chemokines. These substances alert other immune cells to the virus's invasion, just like a messenger.

The Science of Runny Nose: **Histamine**, one of the cytokines, expands blood vessels to increase blood flow and increase blood vessel permeability. This causes liquid components in the blood to escape into the tissues, increasing the runny nose. This mucus helps to trap the virus sticky and release it.

The Science of Sneezing: When a virus stimulates the nasal mucosa, nerve endings send signals to the sneeze center of the brain. The brain contracts the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, creating strong air pressure, which causes microparticles, including viruses, to eject out of the body at speeds of more than 160 km per hour.

The Science of Cough: When special receptors on the bronchial tubes or lung mucosa are stimulated by a virus or phlegm, it sends a signal to the cough center of the brain. This causes a strong cough that spits out foreign bodies in the bronchial tubes as the muscles between the diaphragm and the ribs contract strongly.

3. the body's immune response to the cold virus

When the cold virus enters our body, the immune system responds systematically by dividing it into a primary defense and a secondary defense.

Primary Defense (Suncheon Immunization):

When a virus invades the nose or throat, the mucous membrane of our body acts as the first line of defense. The cilia on the mucous membranes are responsible for pushing the virus and foreign substances out, and the mucus captures the virus. At the same time, innate immune cells, such as **macrophages** and NK cells, immediately react to eat or destroy the virus. In this process, an inflammatory reaction occurs, and symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing described above appear.

Secondary Defense (Adaptive Immunity):

Inborn immunity alone does not prevent a cold completely. When the virus penetrates into cells, **dendritic cells** gather information about the virus and move it to the lymph nodes. After receiving this information from the lymph nodes, **T cells** and **B cells** produce antibodies and cells that can specifically attack the virus. In particular, the **antibodies produced by B cells neutralize the virus and form an 'immune memory' that can respond faster and more strongly when the next virus invades.

4. How to prevent a cold based on scientific evidence

There is no perfect cure for a cold, so prevention is the most important thing. Understanding and practicing scientific principles is key to having a healthy change of seasons.

Washing Hands: Break the Ring of Virus Transmission

Most cold viruses enter our bodies through our hands. Viruses can survive on many different surfaces, such as door handles, cellphones, and public transportation handles. Using soap to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 30 seconds is the most effective way to destroy the virus's lipid membrane, causing it to lose its infectivity.

Maintain proper humidity: curb virus activity

Dry air dries up the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which reduces the function of the cilia. Also, dry air helps viruses travel farther into the air. Using a humidifier to keep the indoor humidity at 40-60% helps keep the mucous membrane moist and prevent the spread of the virus.

Drink water: strengthen mucous membranes and expel toxins

Drinking warm water often prevents the mucous membranes of the throat and nose from drying out, helping the cilia function normally. Also, water makes the sputum water thinner, making it easier to expel the virus through coughing.

Nutrition Care: Recharge Your Immune System's Energy

Vitamin C: Vitamin C protects immune cells with powerful antioxidant properties and helps produce collagen needed for immune responses.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an essential role in activating immune cells. It is recommended to get enough sunlight or supplement it with nutritional supplements.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral for the growth of immune cells, helping to suppress the virus from multiplying.

Sleeping Enough: Time to Reorganize Your Immunity

During sleep, immune cells become active, repairing damaged cells and strengthening immune memory. Lack of sleep drastically reduces immunity, so it is important to get enough sleep for seven to nine hours a day.

Snots, sneezes, and coughs are precious signals for our bodies to fight viruses. If you understand these scientific principles and add small practices in your daily life, you will be able to overcome colds and maintain a healthy life.